When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you may run across the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This crucial element serves 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 throughout the year.
It's not necessary that you appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working 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 distributes air around the inside of your home and pulls it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds 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 programmed comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. 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 actual location varies according to the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is normally located in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
- An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to distribute cool air in the warm months.
- A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is positioned inside 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 select the ideal option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name implies, runs at one speed and powers 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 desires. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative 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 it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. Look for these signals 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 loss of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at TML Service Experts.
- Peculiar noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can point to impending breakdown.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring fast intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue burns more energy. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your energy bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can cause a complete system breakdown if not addressed promptly.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can break down for numerous reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware 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 completely.
- Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize 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 troubles can cause system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively moderate the temperature, it might run constantly, 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 full-blown breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a limited life expectancy. As they age, materials within them wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from TML Service Experts
At TML Service Experts, nothing is more important to us 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 prevent future problems before they begin, you can count on TML Service Experts. We’ll evaluate the issue and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 208-488-4892!