What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas, you may run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This crucial component functions as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the circulation of heated and cooled air, so that your home stays comfortable all year-round.

You don’t need to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running smoothly. Still, 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 distributes air throughout your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The types 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 springs into action. This turns on the fan, pushing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or straight 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 exact location depends on the type of system:

• A furnace blower motor is commonly found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
• An air conditioner typically 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 interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
• A ductless mini-split blower motor is located within the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.

Types of Blower Motors

Understanding the two main styles of blower motors can help you choose the right option for your home comfort needs.

• A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, 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 requirements. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also features more consistent indoor temperatures for improved comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home isn’t feeling as cozy as it usually does, 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: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Levy & Son Service Experts.
• Odd 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 signal impending failure.
• Concerning odors: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
• Increased energy bills: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more power. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable increase in your energy bills.
• HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can lead to a complete system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

• Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and cause electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s performance.
• Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up parts of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail altogether.
• Worn-out bearings: Bearings reduce friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing untimely failure.
• Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can affect how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These challenges can lead to system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
• Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly regulate the temperature, it could begin to run constantly, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
• Electrical challenges: Faulty wiring or other electrical problems can lead to intermittent motor operation or a complete breakdown.
• Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite life expectancy. As they get older, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Levy & Son Service Experts

At Levy & Son Service Experts, 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, please contact Levy & Son Service Experts. We’ll identify and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 469-250-0932!