What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This critical component serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable all the time.

You don’t need to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. However, 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 disperses air around the inside of 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 senses the temperature falling out of the ideal comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. 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 specific location can be in different places depending on the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is normally placed 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 distribute cool air in the summer.
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 positioned inside 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 choose the correct 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 reached.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling requirements. This is generally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also offers 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 cozy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Watch out for these signs 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 loss of airflow might be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Donelson Air Service Experts.
Weird noises: Abnormal 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 malfunction.
Concerning odors: 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 has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more power. This inefficiency can cause a marked surge in your utility bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical issue. This can bring on a complete 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 places can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and cause electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s ability to run.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up components 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, leading to 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 challenges can lead to system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly control the temperature, it could begin to run all the time, 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 complete breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a fixed life expectancy. As they age, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Donelson Air Service Experts

At Donelson Air Service Experts, nothing is of greater importance to our staff than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency repairs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is giving you problems, or you want to prevent future problems before they start, reach out to Donelson Air Service Experts. We’ll identify and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 615-953-9885!