What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you may see the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This essential component acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the circulation of heated and cooled air, so that your home stays comfortable during the whole year.

It’s not necessary that you appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating 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 powers the fan that blows air throughout your home and forces it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties of HVAC systems that use blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat feels the temperature falling out of the set comfort zone, the blower motor springs into action. This turns on the fan, pushing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or directly 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 actual location depends on the type of system:

• A furnace blower motor is usually found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
• An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer cooling season.
• A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
• A ductless mini-split blower motor is located within the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.

Types of Blower Motors

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

• A single-speed motor, as the name implies, runs at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is reached.
• A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for improved comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home isn’t feeling as cozy as usual, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Look for these 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 be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an knowledgeable HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
• Peculiar noises: Strange sounds like grinding or squealing are often warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only annoying but can point to impending failure.
• Concerning aromas: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
• Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more power. This inefficiency can cause a marked spike in your energy bills.
• HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can lead to a total 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 spots can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and cause electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s ability to run.
• Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking pieces 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, leading to untimely failure.
• Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can influence how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can create system inefficiencies and require Expert repair.
• Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively regulate the temperature, it may instead run constantly, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
• Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical problems can lead to irregular motor operation or a complete breakdown.
• Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a fixed working life. 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

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing is more critical 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 ward off future problems before they begin, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll diagnose and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!