When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you possibly could read the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This critical element functions 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.
You don't have to understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating 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 operates the fan that distributes air throughout 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 feels the temperature falling out of the programmed 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 actual location can be in different places depending on the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is commonly 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.
- A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is found within 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 find the correct option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, operates at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is reached.
- A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also features more consistent indoor temperatures for greater comfort.
Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad
If your home [isn’t feeling|doesn’t feel|suddenly isn’t]129] as comfy as usual, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Look for these signals of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Limited 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 prompt evaluation from an knowledgeable HVAC professional like the team at Strogen's Service Experts.
- Peculiar noises: Abnormal 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 failure.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Increased energy bills: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a marked increase in your electric bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can lead to a full system breakdown if not addressed promptly.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can fail for numerous reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components 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: Trouble with the resistor or fan can influence how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can cause system inefficiencies and require immediate 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 issues can lead to irregular motor operation or a complete breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a limited working life. As they age, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Strogen's Service Experts
At Strogen's Service Experts, nothing is more critical to our team than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency repairs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is acting up, or you want to prevent future problems before they start, you can count on Strogen's 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 603-923-4570!