When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you possibly could see the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This critical component 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.
You don't have to understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. But, 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 disperses air throughout your home and pulls it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties of HVAC systems that utilize blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.
When your thermostat senses the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor springs into action. 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 actual location depends on the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is normally found in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
- An air conditioner generally 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 appliance.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is found in 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 find the correct option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, 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 usually the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative for homeowners. It also provides 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 normal, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Look for these signals 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 lack of airflow might mean total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Climate Control Service Experts.
- Peculiar noises: Unusual 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 malfunction.
- Concerning smells: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more power. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable spike in your energy bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can bring on a full system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can break down for numerous reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and cause electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s operation.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking parts of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail entirely.
- Worn-out bearings: Bearings reduce friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in premature failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can affect how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can create system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly moderate the temperature, it may instead run continuously, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
- Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical problems can lead to intermittent motor operation or a total breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a limited life expectancy. As they age, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Climate Control Service Experts
At Climate Control Service Experts, nothing is more important to our staff than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency repairs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is giving you problems, or you want to ward off future problems before they start, please contact Climate Control Service Experts. We’ll evaluate the issue and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 251-202-7503!