When troubleshooting HVAC dilemmas1, you might read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This crucial element 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 during the whole year.
It's not necessary that you appreciate 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 powers the fan that distributes air throughout your home and pulls 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 ideal comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. 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 to your living space.
Where Is the Blower Motor Found?
The blower motor’s exact location varies according to the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is usually located 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 deliver cool air in the warm months.
- A heat pump blower motor is located within the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is located in 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 correct 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 reached.
- A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is usually the quieter, more energy-efficient option for homeowners. It also features 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 comfortable as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. Look for these signals 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 loss of airflow might be a sign of total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Freschi Service Experts.
- Odd noises: Strange sounds like grinding or squealing are often warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only aggravating but can indicate impending malfunction.
- Concerning smells: A burning smell may 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 energy. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable surge in your energy bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can bring on a total system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can break down for several reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal parts and trigger electrical shorts that can gravely 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 decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, causing premature 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 issues can cause system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
- Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively control 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 problems can lead to irregular motor operation or a total breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite working life. As they get up there in years, materials within them wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Freschi Service Experts
At Freschi Service Experts, nothing is of greater importance 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 begin, you can count on Freschi Service Experts. We’ll diagnose and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 925-384-1303!