What Is a Blower Motor?
When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you might run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This crucial component acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow of heated and cooled air, so that your home stays comfortable during the whole year.
You don’t have to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. But, understanding a bit 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 distributes air through your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds of HVAC systems that use blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.
When your thermostat detects the temperature falling out of the ideal 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 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 located in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
- An air conditioner typically 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 device.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is situated in 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 select the best option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, runs at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is reached.
- A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient option 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 as comfy as usual, your blower motor might be the culprit. Look for these signs of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Limited airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an knowledgeable HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
- Peculiar noises: Strange 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 point to impending failure.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
- Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a marked surge in your utility bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can lead to a complete 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 be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and lead to electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s operation.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking parts of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail entirely.
- Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in untimely failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can cause system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly manage the temperature, it might 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 expectancy. As they get up there in years, 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 important to us than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency repairs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is giving you problems, or you want to prevent future problems before they start, you can count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll identify and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!