What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This essential element acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable throughout the year.

You don’t need to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating 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 runs the fan that disperses air throughout your home and draws 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 set comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. 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 inside your living space.

Where Is the Blower Motor Found?

The blower motor’s exact location depends on the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is normally placed in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the summer cooling season.
A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is found within 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 indicates, operates at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is achieved.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling requirements. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also provides more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as cozy as usual, your blower motor might be the culprit. Look for these signs of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak 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 immediate evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Weird noises: Unusual 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 indicate impending breakdown.
Concerning aromas: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring fast intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
Increased energy bills: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more power. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your electric bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can cause a total system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can go bad for numerous reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and lead to electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s operation.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking components 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, causing premature 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 lead to system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly control the temperature, it might run constantly, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical issues can lead to irregular motor operation or a total breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a limited working life. As they get older, elements 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 us than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency repairs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is having issues, or you want to avoid future problems before they occur, 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 352-414-4006!