What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you possibly could read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This essential element serves 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 all year-round.

You don't have to know 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 types of HVAC systems that have blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat senses the temperature falling out of the set comfort zone, the blower motor springs into action. 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 specific location varies according to the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is normally placed in the base of the unit near the air filter.
An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate 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 device.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is situated within the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.

Types of Blower Motors

Understanding the two main types of blower motors can help you find the ideal option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, works at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is attained.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also provides 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 cozy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. Keep an eye 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, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Weird noises: Abnormal 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 malfunction.
Concerning odors: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring fast intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Increased energy costs: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more power. This inefficiency can cause a significant increase in your utility bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can cause a total system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for many reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and trigger electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s ability to run.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up 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, causing 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 challenges can lead to system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly manage the temperature, it may instead run continuously, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical issues can lead to intermittent motor operation or a complete breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a fixed life expectancy. As they get older, 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 our team 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 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 440-252-1375!