What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you might run across the term “blower motor” and wonder how that fits into your system. This essential component functions 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 all year-round.

You don’t need to appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it running 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 operates the fan that circulates air around the inside of your home and draws it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The types of HVAC systems that have blower motors include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

When your thermostat senses the temperature falling out of the programmed comfort zone, the blower motor is alerted by your system. This turns on the fan, blowing 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 actual location varies according to the type of system:

A furnace blower motor is commonly located in the base of the unit next to the air filter.
An air conditioner generally shares the furnace’s blower motor to circulate cool air in the warm months.
A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the interior portion of this single-unit heating and cooling appliance.
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 styles of blower motors can help you choose the best option for your home comfort needs.

A single-speed motor, as the name implies, works at one speed and shuts off when the desired temperature is achieved.
A variable-speed motor operates at a range of speeds, adapting the speed to changes in heating and cooling desires. This is normally the quieter, more energy-efficient choice 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 cozy as usual, your blower motor might be the reason. Watch out for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Insufficient airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete loss of airflow might mean total motor failure, which calls for swift evaluation from an knowledgeable HVAC professional like the team at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts.
Peculiar noises: Strange 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 signal impending breakdown.
Concerning aromas: A burning smell could indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring fast intervention to prevent the problem from intensifying.
Increased energy expenses: A blower motor that has to operate harder than necessary because of an underlying issue utilizes more energy. This inefficiency can cause a noticeable spike in your electric bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can take place when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical difficulty. This can cause a full system breakdown if not addressed promptly.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

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

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong spots can result in catastrophe for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal elements and lead to electrical shorts that can severely impact the motor’s ability to run.
Debris accumulation: Dust and dirt plugging up 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 untimely failure.
Blower motor resistor or fan concerns: Trouble with the resistor or fan can affect how the motor responds to demands for more or less air. These challenges can create system inefficiencies and require professional repair.
Temperature control problems: If the motor can’t effectively regulate the temperature, it could begin to run all the time, which can cause wear and tear, and eventually failure.
Electrical challenges: Defective wiring or other electrical malfunctions can lead to sporadic motor operation or a total breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical equipment, blower motors have a limited life span. As they get older, elements wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Winnipeg Supply Service Experts

At Winnipeg Supply Service Experts, nothing is of greater importance to our team 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 avoid future problems before they begin, please contact Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. We’ll identify and fix the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 204-800-0613!