What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you may run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This crucial element acts 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 during the whole year.

You don’t have to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running 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 throughout your home and pulls 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 feels the temperature falling out of the ideal 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 usually located in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
An air conditioner most of the time shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the summer.
A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is found in 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 choose the correct option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name implies, operates at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is reached.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is generally the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative 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 as comfortable as it usually does, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Keep an eye out for these signals 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 be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an knowledgeable 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 point to impending malfunction.
Concerning odors: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
Increased energy bills: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a significant increase in your electric bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can cause a complete system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can go bad for many reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and lead to 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 decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in 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 issues can create system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly control the temperature, it may instead run continuously, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical malfunctions 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 get older, 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 of greater importance to our staff than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is acting up, or you want to prevent future problems before they start, you can count on 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 954-736-4314!