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, making sure your home stays comfortable all year-round.

You don’t have to know 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 forces 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 senses the temperature falling out of the ideal 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 exact location can be in different places depending on 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 most of the time shares the furnace’s blower motor to distribute cool air in the summer cooling season.
• A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the interior 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 suggests, runs 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 option for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for greater comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home isn’t feeling as comfortable as normal, your blower motor might be the reason. Watch 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 loss of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Teays Valley Service Experts.
• Weird noises: Strange 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 breakdown.
• Concerning smells: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
• Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable increase in your electric bills.
• HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can lead to a full system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail 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 blocking parts of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail entirely.
• Worn-out bearings: Bearings reduce friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, leading to premature 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 effectively regulate the temperature, it might 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 full-blown breakdown.
• Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite life expectancy. As they get up there in years, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Teays Valley Service Experts

At Teays Valley Service Experts, nothing is more important to our team 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 ward off future problems before they start, please contact Teays Valley Service Experts. We’ll diagnose and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 304-760-5088!