fbpx

What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you may read the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This essential element 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 all year-round.

You don’t have to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. Still, understanding a little 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 blows air through your home and forces 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, pushing 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 inside your living space.

Where Is the Blower Motor Found?

The blower motor’s actual location depends 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 most of the time shares the furnace’s blower motor to distribute cool air in the summer cooling season.
  • 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 within 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 implies, works at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is reached.
  • A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling demands. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also features more consistent indoor temperatures for greater comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home isn’t feeling as comfortable as it usually does, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Watch out 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 absence of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
  • 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 annoying but can indicate impending failure.
  • Concerning aromas: A burning smell may indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring fast 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 utilizes more power. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your energy bills.
  • HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can bring on a total system breakdown if not addressed quickly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can break down for numerous reasons, including:

  • Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and lead to electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s performance.
  • Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail altogether.
  • 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: 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 Expert repair.
  • Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly moderate 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 total breakdown.
  • Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a finite life span. As they age, materials within them wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, nothing is more important to our team than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is giving you problems, or you want to avoid future problems before they occur, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ll evaluate the issue and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 866-397-3787!

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >
Offer

10% OFF FOR ACTIVE DUTY OR VETERANS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

10% OFF Any Product or Service*
For all Active-Duty, Retired, and Veteran Military Personnel 

  • It’s our way of thanking you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice to protect our freedom
  • All worked performed by licensed experts, and backed by a written, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Service Experts is proud to be affiliated with Military Makeover and Hiring Our Heroes

print
Offer

THREE LIMITED-TIME WAYS TO SAVE WITH AN ADVANTAGE PROGRAM BUNDLE

  • Bundle two HVAC systems through the Advantage Program and save $20 a month!
  • Bundle an HVAC and a Water Heater or Water Treatment System through the Advantage Program and save $15 a month!
  • Bundle a Water Heater a Water Treatment System or Indoor Air Quality through the Advantage Program and save $10 a month!

print

© 2025 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Chat with a Service Experts Professional