When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you might run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This essential element serves 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 all the time.
You don't have to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working 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 operates the fan that distributes 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 detects the temperature falling out of the ideal 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 specific location depends on the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is commonly found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
- An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the warm months.
- A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is found inside 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 select the correct option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, runs at one speed and powers 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 usually the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for greater comfort.
Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad
If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as comfortable as it usually does, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Watch out for these indications of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Limited airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. A complete lack of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an knowledgeable HVAC professional like the team at McElroy Service Experts.
- Odd noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can signal impending malfunction.
- Concerning smells: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring prompt 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 energy. This inefficiency can cause a significant increase in your energy bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can trigger a full system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can break down for several reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and lead to electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s ability to run.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up 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, 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 lead to system inefficiencies and require Expert repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly manage the temperature, it might run constantly, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
- Electrical challenges: Faulty wiring or other electrical problems can lead to sporadic motor operation or a complete breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite life span. As they get up there in years, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from McElroy Service Experts
At McElroy Service Experts, nothing is more important to us than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is giving you problems, or you want to ward off future problems before they start, you can count on McElroy Service Experts. We’ll identify and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 308-210-4398!