What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you possibly could read the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This crucial element acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable all the time.

You don’t need to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. Still, understanding a little 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 operates the fan that circulates air around the inside of your home and pulls it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties of HVAC systems that utilize blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat feels the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor springs into action. This turns on the fan, forcing 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 inside your living space.

Where Is the Blower Motor Found?

The blower motor’s specific location can be in different places depending on the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is commonly located in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer cooling season.
A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is located inside the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.

Types of Blower Motors

Understanding the two main styles of blower motors can help you select the correct option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, operates at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is attained.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling requirements. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also provides more consistent indoor temperatures for improved comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as comfortable as normal, your blower motor might be the reason. Look for these signals 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 loss of airflow might be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Midway Services.
Weird noises: Strange sounds like grinding or squealing are often warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can point to impending malfunction.
Concerning aromas: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Increased energy bills: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more power. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your energy bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can cause a full system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for many reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and lead to electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s operation.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking parts of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in premature failure.
Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can lead to system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly control the temperature, it could begin to run all the time, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical issues can lead to intermittent motor operation or a complete breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a finite life span. As they get up there in years, materials within them wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Midway Services

At Midway Services, nothing is of greater importance to us than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is giving you problems, or you want to ward off future problems before they begin, reach out to Midway Services. We’ll evaluate the issue and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 727-219-2471!