What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you possibly could read the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This crucial part of your HVAC serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, so that your home stays comfortable all the time.

It's not necessary that you understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. Still, 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 powers the fan that blows air throughout your home and pulls it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties of HVAC systems that have blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat detects the temperature falling out of the programmed 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 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 actual location can be in different places depending on the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is commonly found in the base of the unit near the air filter.
An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to distribute cool air in the warm months.
A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is positioned 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 find the correct option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, operates at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is reached.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling requirements. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative for homeowners. It also offers 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 comfortable as usual, your blower motor might be the reason. Look for these warning 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 skilled HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Peculiar 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 malfunction.
Concerning aromas: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more power. This inefficiency can cause a significant spike in your energy bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can bring on a full system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for numerous reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and cause electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s ability to run.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings reduce friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in untimely failure.
Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Problems with the resistor or fan can impact how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These challenges can result in system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively moderate the temperature, it may instead run continuously, 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 full-blown breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a fixed working life. 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 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 occur, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll diagnose and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 352-414-4006!