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What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This essential element acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the circulation of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable during the whole year.

You don’t have to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working 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 powers the fan that blows air through your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds of HVAC systems that have 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, pushing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or right 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 actual location can be in different places depending on the type of system:

  • A furnace blower motor is usually found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
  • An air conditioner most of the time shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer.
  • 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 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 find the right option for your home comfort needs.

  • A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, runs at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is achieved.
  • A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting 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 suddenly isn’t as comfy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. Watch out for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:

  • Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
  • Peculiar noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only annoying but can point to impending breakdown.
  • Concerning smells: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
  • Increased energy bills: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more power. This inefficiency can cause a marked 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 bring on a total system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for many reasons, including:

  • Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and cause electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s ability to run.
  • Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging parts 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: Problems with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These troubles can lead to system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
  • Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly moderate the temperature, it could begin to run continuously, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
  • Electrical challenges: Faulty wiring or other electrical problems can lead to irregular motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
  • Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite life span. As they age, 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 critical to our team 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, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll identify and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!

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