When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you possibly could read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This essential part of your HVAC serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the flow of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable during the whole year.
You don’t need to understand every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running 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 disperses air throughout your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The types of HVAC systems that use 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 springs into action. 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 normally found in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
- An air conditioner generally 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 system.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is positioned within the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.
Types of Blower Motors
Understanding the two main types of blower motors can help you find the right option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, runs at one speed and shuts 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 generally the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also offers 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 reason. Keep an eye out for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:
- Weak or no airflow from vents: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might mean total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at A1 Chesney Service Experts.
- Weird noises: Strange 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 point to impending malfunction.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
- Increased energy bills: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more power. This inefficiency can cause a significant increase in your energy bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can cause a full system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can go bad for numerous reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and trigger 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 altogether.
- Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing untimely failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These troubles can result in system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly moderate 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 intermittent motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a finite life expectancy. As they age, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from A1 Chesney Service Experts
At A1 Chesney Service Experts, nothing is more important to us than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency response and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is giving you problems, or you want to ward off future problems before they occur, please contact A1 Chesney Service Experts. We’ll diagnose and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 587-315-5271!