When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This crucial 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.
You don’t need to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. Still, 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 circulates 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 feels 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 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 varies according to the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is commonly placed in the base of the unit near the air filter.
- An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to distribute 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 located 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 right option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name implies, works at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is achieved.
- A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also features 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 reason. Look for these signs of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete lack of airflow might be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an knowledgeable HVAC professional like the team at Midland Air Service Experts.
- Odd noises: Strange sounds like grinding or squealing may be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can point to impending malfunction.
- Concerning odors: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
- Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a marked surge in your electric bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can lead to a total system breakdown if not addressed promptly.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can go bad for several reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and trigger electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s ability to run.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up components 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, causing early failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can affect how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can lead to system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly regulate the temperature, it may instead run continuously, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
- Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical malfunctions can lead to intermittent motor operation or a full-blown 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 Midland Air Service Experts
At Midland Air Service Experts, nothing is more critical 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 avoid future problems before they occur, reach out to Midland Air Service Experts. We’ll identify and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 803-399-7208!