What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you might run across the term “blower motor” and wonder what it means. This critical component acts as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the circulation 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 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 distributes air throughout your home and forces 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 notified to do something about it. This turns on the fan, pushing 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 usually 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 inside the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling device.
• A ductless mini-split blower motor is located inside the wall-mounted unit, often behind the air handler casing.

Types of Blower Motors

Understanding the two main types of blower motors can help you select the right option for your home comfort needs.

• A single-speed motor, as the name suggests, runs at one speed and turns off when the desired temperature is reached.
• 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 option for homeowners. It also offers more consistent indoor temperatures for improved comfort.

Signs of a Blower Motor Gone Bad

If your home isn’t feeling as cozy as it usually does, your blower motor might be the culprit. Watch out 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 lack of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an experienced HVAC professional like the team at Rolf Griffin Service Experts.
• Odd noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing could be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only annoying but can signal impending failure.
• Concerning smells: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a serious issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
• Increased energy costs: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue consumes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable increase in your energy bills.
• HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can happen when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can lead to a complete system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can fail for several reasons, including:

• Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can spell trouble for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and trigger electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s performance.
• Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up parts 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, causing early failure.
• Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Problems with the resistor or fan can affect how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These issues can lead to system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
• Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t properly regulate 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 full-blown breakdown.
• Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a finite life span. As they get up there in years, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Rolf Griffin Service Experts

At Rolf Griffin Service Experts, nothing is more important to our staff than your comfort. We offer years of experience, emergency services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your blower motor is acting up, or you want to prevent future problems before they start, please contact Rolf Griffin Service Experts. We’ll diagnose and solve the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year long. Schedule your appointment today by calling 260-557-1275!