What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas, you might read the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This essential part of your HVAC serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable all the time.

You don’t need to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. Still, 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 circulates 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 detects the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor springs into action. This turns on the fan, pushing 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 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 near the air filter.
An air conditioner most of the time shares the furnace’s blower motor to distribute cool air in the warm months.
A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is situated within 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 best option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, works at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is achieved.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home doesn’t feel as cozy as usual, your blower motor might be the culprit. Look for these signals of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Odd 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 smells: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring fast intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue burns more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable increase in your energy bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can trigger a complete system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and cause electrical shorts that can severely 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, causing early 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 issues can result in system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively regulate 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 issues can lead to irregular motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a finite life span. As they get older, parts 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 important to our team than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is acting up, or you want to ward off future problems before they start, you can count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll evaluate the issue and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 954-736-4314!