What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you possibly could read 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 circulation of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable throughout the year.

It’s not necessary that you appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. Still, understanding a little 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 draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The types of HVAC systems that utilize 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, 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 exact location can be in different places depending on the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is normally located in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the summer cooling season.
A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is positioned inside 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, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is generally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also provides more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home doesn’t feel as comfy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the reason. Keep an eye 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 loss of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
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 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 bills: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more electricity. 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 complete system breakdown if not addressed quickly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and lead to electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s ability to run.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging components of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail altogether.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in early 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 result in system inefficiencies and require Expert repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively control the temperature, it may instead run all the time, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical malfunctions can lead to irregular motor operation or a total breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a finite life expectancy. 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 staff than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is giving you problems, or you want to avoid 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 again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!