When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you possibly could see the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This critical element 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 all the time.
It's not necessary that you know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running 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 throughout your home and forces 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 feels the temperature falling out of the programmed 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 directly 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 normally located 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 in the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
- 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 styles of blower motors can help you find the best option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, runs 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 generally 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 [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: Limited airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
- Weird noises: Abnormal sounds like grinding or squealing may be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only aggravating but can signal impending failure.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
- Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more power. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your electric bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can lead to a total system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can fail for numerous reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and trigger electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s performance.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging components of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
- Worn-out bearings: Bearings decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing premature failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can impact how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can create system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly regulate the temperature, it could begin to run all the time, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
- Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical malfunctions can lead to sporadic motor operation or a total breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a limited life expectancy. As they age, parts 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 response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is having issues, or you want to prevent future problems before they begin, you can count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll identify and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 587-404-0790!