When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you might read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This crucial element 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.
It's not necessary that you appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running smoothly. However, understanding a little 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 disperses air around the inside of your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The types of HVAC systems that have 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 inside 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 near the air filter.
- An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the warm months.
- A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is found 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 best option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name implies, 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 demands. This is generally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for improved comfort.
Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad
If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as cozy 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: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Eveready Service Experts .
- Odd noises: Strange 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 indicate impending malfunction.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring fast 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 power. 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 trigger a complete 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 areas can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and cause electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s operation.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking pieces 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 impact 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 correctly 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 product, blower motors have a fixed life expectancy. As they get up there in years, materials within them wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Eveready Service Experts
At Eveready Service Experts , nothing is of greater importance to us than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is having issues, or you want to prevent future problems before they start, you can count on Eveready Service Experts . We’ll diagnose and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 804-548-4480!