When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you possibly could see the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This essential component acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, so that your home stays comfortable during the whole year.
It's not necessary that you know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. However, 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 runs the fan that circulates air throughout your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds of HVAC systems that have blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.
When your thermostat senses the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor springs into action. This turns on the fan, blowing 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 to 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 normally found in the base of the unit near the air filter.
- An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the warm months.
- A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is located 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 choose the ideal 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, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also provides 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 usual, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Look for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an seasoned HVAC professional like the team at McKinley Heating Service Experts.
- Weird noises: Unusual 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 failure.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring fast 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 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 difficulty. This can bring on a total 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 spots can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and lead to electrical shorts that can significantly impact the motor’s ability to run.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up parts of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
- Worn-out bearings: Bearings decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in early failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can impact how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These challenges can result in system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively manage the temperature, it might run constantly, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
- Electrical challenges: Faulty wiring or other electrical issues can lead to sporadic motor operation or a complete breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite working life. As they age, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from McKinley Heating Service Experts
At McKinley Heating 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 McKinley Heating Service Experts. We’ll evaluate the issue and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 780-800-7092!