When troubleshooting HVAC issues, you possibly could read the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This crucial 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 throughout the year.
You don't have to know every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. But, understanding a bit 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 circulates air through 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 detects the temperature falling out of the programmed comfort zone, the blower motor springs into action. This turns on the fan, forcing hot or cold air out of the unit, through the ductwork—or straight 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 specific location can be in different places depending on the type of system:
- A furnace blower motor is usually placed in the base of the unit close to the air filter.
- An air conditioner most of the time 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 interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
- A ductless mini-split blower motor is positioned inside 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 ideal option for your home comfort needs.
- A single-speed motor, as the name reveals, runs at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is attained.
- A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, modifying the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient alternative for homeowners. It also features 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 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: Weak airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. A complete lack of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an skilled HVAC professional like the team at Sunbeam Service Experts.
- Weird noises: Abnormal sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only aggravating but can point to impending malfunction.
- Concerning aromas: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
- Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more electricity. This inefficiency can cause a significant increase in your utility bills.
- HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can bring on a full system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure?
A blower motor can break down for numerous reasons, including:
- Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong places can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal hardware and trigger electrical shorts that can gravely impact the motor’s operation.
- Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt blocking pieces of the motor can cause it to overheat or fail altogether.
- Worn-out bearings: Bearings decrease friction in the motor. When they wear out, they overwork the motor, resulting in untimely failure.
- Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Issues 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 manage 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 malfunctions can lead to intermittent motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
- Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a fixed life span. As they get up there in years, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.
Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Sunbeam Service Experts
At Sunbeam Service Experts, nothing is more critical 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, please contact Sunbeam Service Experts. We’ll evaluate the issue and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 716-427-6807!