What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, 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 circulation of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable during the whole year.

It’s not necessary that you know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working 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 operates the fan that distributes 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 detects the temperature falling out of the programmed comfort zone, the blower motor is notified to do something about it. 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 actual location depends on the type of system:

• A furnace blower motor is usually located 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 warm months.
• A heat pump blower motor is located within 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 kinds of blower motors can help you find the best option for your home comfort needs.

• A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, operates 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 alternative for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home suddenly isn’t as comfortable as normal, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. 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 absence of airflow might mean total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts.
• Peculiar noises: Abnormal 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 indicate impending malfunction.
• Concerning odors: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
• 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 energy bills.
• HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can bring on a total system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for numerous reasons, including:

• Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and lead to electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s performance.
• Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail altogether.
• Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, leading to untimely 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 create system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
• Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly control the temperature, it could begin to run constantly, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
• Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical malfunctions can lead to sporadic motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
• Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a limited working life. As they get older, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts

At Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, nothing is more important to our staff than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is acting up, or you want to ward off future problems before they start, you can count on Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. We’ll identify and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 226-773-3357!