When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you might read the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This essential component serves 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 throughout the year.
You don't have to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. But, understanding a bit 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 throughout your home and pulls it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The types of HVAC systems that utilize 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 alerted by your system. This turns on the fan, blowing 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 inside your living space.
Where Is the Blower Motor Found?
The blower motor’s actual location can be in different places depending on 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 typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the warm months.
- A heat pump blower motor is located in 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 kinds of blower motors can help you select the correct option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, works at one speed and turns 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 desires. This is generally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also features 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 comfy as normal, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Look for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, leading to 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 Calverley Service Experts.
- Peculiar noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing may be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can signal impending breakdown.
- Concerning odors: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Increased energy costs: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your electric bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can trigger a total system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can break down for many reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and lead to electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s ability to run.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up components 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, resulting in untimely failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Problems with the resistor or fan can affect how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These troubles can create system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively control the temperature, it may instead run continuously, 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 total breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a finite life expectancy. As they get up there in years, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Calverley Service Experts
At Calverley Service Experts, nothing is more important to us 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 ward off future problems before they begin, please contact Calverley Service Experts. We’ll diagnose and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 817-380-5647!