What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you may see the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This critical element acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable during the whole year.

It's not necessary that you appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running smoothly. But, understanding at least something 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 operates the fan that blows air around the inside of your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties 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 ideal 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 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 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 near the air filter.
  • An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to distribute cool air in the summer.
  • A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the interior 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 kinds of blower motors can help you choose the correct option for your home comfort needs.

  • A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, runs at one speed and turns 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 normally the quieter, more energy-efficient option 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 comfortable as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. 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, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at Roland J. Down Service Experts .
  • Peculiar noises: Abnormal sounds like grinding or squealing are often warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can indicate impending malfunction.
  • Concerning smells: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring fast intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
  • Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a significant spike in your electric bills.
  • HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can lead to a complete system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

  • Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and trigger electrical shorts that can severely 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 challenges can result in system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
  • Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively moderate 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 sporadic motor operation or a total breakdown.
  • Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a fixed life expectancy. As they age, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Roland J. Down Service Experts

At Roland J. Down Service Experts , nothing is more important to our team than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is acting up, or you want to prevent future problems before they begin, you can count on Roland J. Down Service Experts . We’ll evaluate the issue and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 518-417-2938!

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