What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This essential element acts 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 throughout the year.

It's not necessary that you understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. However, 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 runs the fan that blows air through your home and forces 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 is notified to do something about it. 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 usually located 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 cooling season.
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 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 implies, works at one speed and turns 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 normally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as cozy as normal, your blower motor might be the culprit. Look for these signs of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete lack of airflow might mean total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Odd noises: Abnormal sounds like grinding or squealing are often warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only annoying but can signal impending breakdown.
Concerning smells: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a significant 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 utilizes more power. This inefficiency can cause a marked spike in your electric bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can lead to a complete system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for numerous reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and trigger electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s operation.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking components of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail entirely.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing 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 issues can result in system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly moderate the temperature, it might run constantly, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Defective 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 limited life span. 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 of greater importance 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 start, you can count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll evaluate the issue and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 925-364-5427!