What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas, you may run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This critical component acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the circulation of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable all year-round.

It’s not necessary that you understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running 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 powers the fan that distributes air through 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 detects the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor is notified to do something about it. This turns on the fan, pushing 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 into 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 next to the air filter.
• An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the summer cooling season.
• A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
• A ductless mini-split blower motor is located 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 choose the right option for your home comfort needs.

• A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, runs at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is achieved.
• A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is normally 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 doesn’t feel as comfortable 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: Limited 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 experienced HVAC professional like the team at Falso Service Experts.
• Peculiar noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only annoying but can signal impending failure.
• Concerning smells: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
• Increased energy bills: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable increase in your energy bills.
• HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can lead to a complete system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for several reasons, including:

• Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and lead to electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s performance.
• Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging parts of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail entirely.
• Worn-out bearings: Bearings reduce friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in premature 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 troubles can lead to system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
• Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly regulate the temperature, it might run constantly, which can cause wear and tear and eventually failure.
• Electrical challenges: Faulty wiring or other electrical problems can lead to irregular motor operation or a total breakdown.
• Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a limited life span. As they age, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Falso Service Experts

At Falso 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 start, please contact Falso Service Experts. We’ll evaluate the issue and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 315-313-6531!