What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you might read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This crucial part of your HVAC functions as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow 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 working 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 blows air throughout your home and pulls 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 feels the temperature falling out of the set comfort zone, the blower motor is notified to do something about it. 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 to your living space.

Where Is the Blower Motor Found?

The blower motor’s exact location varies according to the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is commonly found 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 inside the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is situated in 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 find the right option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, operates at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is achieved.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative 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 comfy as usual, 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: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Odd noises: Strange sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can signal impending malfunction.
Concerning smells: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a serious 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 burns more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a marked surge in your utility bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur 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 be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and trigger electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s ability to run.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging pieces 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: Trouble with the resistor or fan can impact how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can cause system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly moderate the temperature, it may instead run all the time, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical issues can lead to sporadic motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a limited life expectancy. As they get older, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, nothing is more critical to our staff 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 avoid future problems before they start, you can count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll diagnose and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!