What Is a Blower Motor?
When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you possibly could read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This critical element acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable during the whole year.
You don’t need to understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. Still, understanding at least something about the blower motor simplifies operation and occasional troubleshooting.
What Does a Blower Motor Do?
The blower motor in a forced-air heating and cooling system powers the fan that blows air through your home and forces it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The types of HVAC systems that utilize blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.
When your thermostat detects the temperature falling out of the set comfort zone, the blower motor springs into action. This turns on the fan, blowing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or straight from the air handler in the case of a ductless system—and into your living space.
Where Is the Blower Motor Found?
The blower motor’s exact location varies according to the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is usually placed in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
- An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the summer.
- A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is found in the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.
Types of Blower Motors
Understanding the two main kinds of blower motors can help you choose the ideal option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, operates at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is attained.
- A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling requirements. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative for homeowners. It also features more consistent indoor temperatures for improved comfort.
Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad
If your home suddenly isn’t as comfy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Keep an eye out for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete lack of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
- Weird noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only aggravating but can indicate impending breakdown.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
- Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue burns more energy. This inefficiency can cause a marked surge in your electric bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can cause a full system breakdown if not addressed promptly.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can break down for several reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and trigger electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s performance.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging parts of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail entirely.
- Worn-out bearings: Bearings reduce friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, leading to untimely failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can impact how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These challenges can result in system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly moderate the temperature, it might run continuously, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
- Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical malfunctions can lead to intermittent motor operation or a total breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a finite life expectancy. As they get older, materials within them wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, nothing is of greater importance to our staff than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is having issues, or you want to avoid future problems before they begin, you can count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ll identify and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 866-397-3787!