What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you may see the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This essential component 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 the time.

You don’t need to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it operating smoothly. However, 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 powers the fan that blows air around the inside of 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 senses the temperature falling out of the set comfort zone, the blower motor is notified to do something about it. This turns on the fan, forcing 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 to 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 usually 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 warm months.
A heat pump blower motor is located in the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is situated inside the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.

Types of Blower Motors

Understanding the two main styles of blower motors can help you find the correct option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name indicates, operates at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is achieved.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adjusting the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice for homeowners. It also provides 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 comfy as normal, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Look for these signs of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, causing discomfort and inefficiency. A complete absence of airflow might be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for prompt evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Norrell Service Experts.
Weird 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 failure.
Concerning smells: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a significant issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
Increased energy bills: A blower motor that runs harder than necessary because of an underlying issue burns more energy. This inefficiency can cause a marked surge in your utility bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can trigger a complete system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and trigger electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s operation.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking components of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail completely.
Worn-out bearings: Bearings minimize friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in untimely failure.
Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Problems with the resistor or fan can alter how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These challenges can lead to system inefficiencies and require Expert repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively manage the temperature, it could begin to run all the time, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Faulty wiring or other electrical malfunctions can lead to irregular motor operation or a total breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a limited life span. As they age, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Norrell Service Experts

At Norrell 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 giving you problems, or you want to avoid future problems before they start, reach out to Norrell Service Experts. We’ll identify and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 205-267-0023!