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What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas, you might see the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This essential element functions as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable all year-round.

It’s not necessary that you appreciate 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 operates the fan that disperses air throughout your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties 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 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 right from the air handler in the case of a ductless system—and into your living space.

Where Is the Blower Motor Found?

The blower motor’s specific location can be in different places depending on the type of system:

  • A furnace blower motor is normally found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
  • An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the summer cooling season.
  • A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
  • A ductless mini-split blower motor is positioned within 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 ideal option for your home comfort needs.

  • A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, runs at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is achieved.
  • A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also provides more consistent indoor temperatures for improved comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home doesn’t feel as comfy as usual, your blower motor might be the reason. Keep an eye out for these signs of a bad blower motor:

  • Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete lack of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
  • 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 annoying but can point to impending breakdown.
  • Concerning smells: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring prompt 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 electricity. 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 bring on a total system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can break down for many reasons, including:

  • Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and trigger electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s performance.
  • 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 early failure.
  • Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These troubles can lead to system inefficiencies and require Expert repair.
  • Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively regulate the temperature, it could begin to run continuously, 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 total breakdown.
  • Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a fixed working life. As they age, elements 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 more important to our team 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 prevent future problems before they occur, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll evaluate the issue and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!

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