What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This critical 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, ensuring your home stays comfortable all year-round.

You don't have to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. However, 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 runs the fan that circulates air throughout your home and pulls 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 set 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 right from the air handler in the case of a ductless system—and to 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 placed in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer.
A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the indoor 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 kinds of blower motors can help you choose the ideal option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, runs at one speed and powers 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 requirements. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also offers 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 comfy as usual, your blower motor might be the culprit. Watch out for these indications of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an knowledgeable HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Peculiar noises: Abnormal 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 point to impending failure.
Concerning smells: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue burns more power. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your utility bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can lead to a complete system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for several reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and cause electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s performance.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail altogether.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, leading to premature 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 troubles can cause system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively regulate the temperature, it may instead run continuously, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical issues can lead to irregular motor operation or a complete breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a fixed life expectancy. As they get up there in years, 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 critical to us than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency repairs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is having issues, or you want to ward off future problems before they occur, you can count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll diagnose and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 866-397-3787!