When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you might see the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This crucial component serves 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 throughout the year.
You don’t need to 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 circulates air through your home and pulls 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 feels the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor is notified to do something about it. This turns on the fan, forcing 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 normally found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
- An air conditioner most of the time shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer.
- A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is located 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 find the right option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, runs at one speed and turns 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 generally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also provides more consistent indoor temperatures for greater comfort.
Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad
If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as comfortable as usual, your blower motor might be the culprit. Keep an eye out for these signs of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Limited airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for swift 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 aggravating but can signal impending failure.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
- Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more power. This inefficiency can cause a significant spike in your energy bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. 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 spots can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and cause electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s operation.
- 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 early failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These challenges can result in system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively moderate the temperature, it could begin to run all the time, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
- Electrical challenges: Faulty wiring or other electrical problems can lead to irregular motor operation or a total breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a limited life span. As they get up there in years, materials within them 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 critical to our staff 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 avoid 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 all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 403-279-5760!