What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This crucial element serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable all year-round.

It's not necessary that you know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating 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 around the inside of your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties 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 springs into action. 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 actual 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 close to the air filter.
An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the summer cooling season.
A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is located in 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 right option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, operates at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is attained.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is generally the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as comfortable as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. Keep an eye out for these signals of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak 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 immediate evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Wesley Wood Service Experts.
Weird noises: Strange sounds like grinding or squealing are often warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can signal impending breakdown.
Concerning aromas: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring fast intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Increased energy bills: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a marked spike in your electric bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can cause a complete system breakdown if not addressed quickly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and trigger electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s ability to run.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail altogether.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, leading to early 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 result in system inefficiencies and require Expert repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly control the temperature, it might run constantly, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Bad wiring or other electrical problems can lead to irregular motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a fixed working life. As they get older, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Wesley Wood Service Experts

At Wesley Wood Service Experts, nothing is more critical to us 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 occur, please contact Wesley Wood Service Experts. We’ll identify and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 484-401-7577!