What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas, you may read the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This critical component serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, so that your home stays comfortable during the whole year.

It’s not necessary that you know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating 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 powers the fan that disperses air around the inside of your home and forces it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds of HVAC systems that use blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat detects the temperature falling out of the set comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. This turns on the fan, pushing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or directly 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 exact location varies according to the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is usually found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer cooling season.
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 within 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 correct option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, operates at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is attained.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home doesn’t feel as cozy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Look for these indications of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Weird noises: Unusual 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 point to impending failure.
Concerning odors: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more power. This inefficiency can cause a marked increase in your utility bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can lead to 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 spots can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and trigger electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s ability to run.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail entirely.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing untimely failure.
Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Problems with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can cause system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly regulate 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 intermittent motor operation or a total breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite 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 of greater importance 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 ward off future problems before they occur, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 954-736-4314!