What Is a Blower Motor?

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

You don’t need to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating 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 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 feels 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 into 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 generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the warm months.
• A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
• A ductless mini-split blower motor is located 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 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 desires. This is generally 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 isn’t feeling as cozy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. 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, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete lack of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Strogen's Service Experts.
• Odd 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 may indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
• Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable increase in your utility bills.
• HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. 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 numerous reasons, including:

• Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and trigger 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 completely.
• Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, leading to untimely 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 challenges can lead to system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
• Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly 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 equipment, blower motors have a finite 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 of greater importance 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 ward off future problems before they start, please contact Strogen's 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 603-923-4570!