What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you possibly could run across the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This essential element functions as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, ensuring your home stays comfortable all year-round.

It's not necessary that you know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running smoothly. Still, 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 runs the fan that distributes air throughout your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties 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 set 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 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 exact location can be in different places depending on the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is commonly found in the base of the unit near the air filter.
An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to deliver cool air in the warm months.
A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the in-house portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
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 kinds of blower motors can help you find the best option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, runs at one speed and powers off when the desired temperature is attained.
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 choice 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 comfortable as usual, your blower motor might be the reason. Keep an eye out for these indications 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 lack of airflow might suggest total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Comfort Masters Service Experts.
Peculiar 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 indicate impending breakdown.
Concerning smells: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Increased energy costs: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue burns more electricity. 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 problem. This can cause a full system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and cause electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s performance.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt clogging pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
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: Issues with the resistor or fan can influence how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can result in system inefficiencies and require skilled repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t correctly manage 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 device, blower motors have a fixed life span. As they age, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Comfort Masters Service Experts

At Comfort Masters Service Experts, nothing is more important to our team than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency repairs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is acting up, or you want to prevent future problems before they begin, reach out to Comfort Masters Service Experts. We’ll evaluate the issue and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year. Schedule your appointment today by calling 847-250-6729!