What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you may read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This crucial component functions as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the circulation of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable during the whole year.

You don’t need to appreciate 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 operates the fan that blows air around the inside of your home and pulls 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 programmed comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. This turns on the fan, forcing 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 usually found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver 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 system.
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 kinds of blower motors can help you choose the best option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, works at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is achieved.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative for homeowners. It also features more consistent indoor temperatures for enhanced 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 signals of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Atmostemp Service Experts.
Peculiar noises: Strange sounds like grinding or squealing may be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only irritating but can indicate impending malfunction.
Concerning smells: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more energy. This inefficiency can cause a marked spike 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 promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can go bad for many reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and lead to 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 decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, leading to premature failure.
Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues with the resistor or fan can influence how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These challenges can result in 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 intermittent motor operation or a complete breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a fixed life span. As they get older, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Atmostemp Service Experts

At Atmostemp Service Experts, nothing is of greater importance to our team than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency repairs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is having issues, or you want to avoid future problems before they occur, you can count on Atmostemp Service Experts. We’ll identify and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 856-310-4824!