When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you might run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This essential component acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable all the time.
You don’t need to understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. However, 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 runs the fan that disperses air around the inside of 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 set 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 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 exact location depends on the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is normally located 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 circulate cool air in the summer cooling season.
- A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is situated 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 right option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, works at one speed and powers 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 requirements. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also provides 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 normal, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Keep an eye out for these indications 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 suggest total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Komfort Air 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 aggravating but can signal impending breakdown.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring timely intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more power. This inefficiency can cause a significant spike in your electric bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. 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 areas can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and trigger electrical shorts that can significantly 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 completely.
- 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: Problems with the resistor or fan can influence how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These troubles can result in system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively manage the temperature, it could begin to run all the time, 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 complete breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a limited life span. As they get up there in years, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Komfort Air Service Experts
At Komfort Air 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 having issues, or you want to prevent future problems before they occur, reach out to Komfort Air Service Experts. We’ll evaluate the issue and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 704-705-8135!