What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you might run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This critical part of your HVAC serves 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 all year-round.

You don’t need to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working 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 powers the fan that distributes air around the inside of your home and pulls it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The kinds 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, 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 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 close to the air filter.
An air conditioner typically shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the summer.
A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is found in 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 correct option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, works at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is achieved.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is generally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also provides 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 comfy 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: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might mean total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Chief/Bauer Service Experts.
Odd noises: Abnormal 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 fast intervention to prevent the problem from worsening.
Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable spike in your energy bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can cause a full system breakdown if not addressed quickly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and trigger electrical shorts that can severely 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 decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, leading to early failure.
Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can influence how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These troubles can cause system inefficiencies and require immediate repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively regulate the temperature, it might run constantly, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical issues can lead to intermittent motor operation or a complete breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical product, blower motors have a limited life expectancy. As they get up there in years, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Chief/Bauer Service Experts

At Chief/Bauer 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 prevent future problems before they occur, you can count on Chief/Bauer Service Experts. We’ll identify and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 217-689-2469!