What Is a Blower Motor?

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, you might read the term “blower motor” and wonder what that means. This essential component serves as the lungs of your heating and cooling system. The blower motor powers the movement of heated and cooled air, making sure your home stays comfortable all year-round.

It's not necessary that you appreciate every detail of your HVAC system to keep it working smoothly. Still, understanding at least something 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 throughout your home and pulls it back into the HVAC for reheating or cooling. The varieties of HVAC systems that utilize 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 springs into action. 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 specific 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 circulate cool air in the warm months.
A heat pump blower motor is located inside the air handler, the indoor portion of this single-unit heating and cooling system.
A ductless mini-split blower motor is situated 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 find the right 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 alternative for homeowners. It also provides 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 usual, your blower motor might be the perpetrator. Look for these warning signs of a bad blower motor:

Weak or no airflow from vents: Limited airflow makes your home heat or cool more slowly, creating discomfort and inefficiency. A complete lack of airflow might indicate total motor failure, which calls for immediate evaluation from an knowledgeable HVAC professional like the team at Knochelmann Service Experts.
Odd noises: Unusual sounds like grinding or squealing may be warning signs of worn-out bearings or a misaligned motor. These noises are not only annoying but can indicate impending malfunction.
Concerning odors: A burning smell might indicate an overheating motor, a major issue requiring prompt intervention to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Increased energy bills: A blower motor that works harder than necessary because of an underlying issue uses more power. This inefficiency can cause a significant increase in your energy bills.
HVAC unit overheating: Overheating can occur when the motor struggles due to friction or a mechanical problem. This can bring on a complete system breakdown if not addressed in a timely manner.

What Causes Blower Motor Failure?

A blower motor can go bad for many reasons, including:

Moisture buildup: Water in the wrong areas can be a big problem for your blower motor. Moisture can corrode metal components and cause 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: Problems with the resistor or fan can influence 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 effectively moderate 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 intermittent motor operation or a full-blown breakdown.
Old age: Like any mechanical device, blower motors have a fixed life span. As they age, parts wear out and failure becomes more likely.

Get Help Troubleshooting Blower Motor Problems from Knochelmann Service Experts

At Knochelmann 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 having issues, or you want to avoid future problems before they begin, you can count on Knochelmann Service Experts. We’ll identify and mend the problem so you can enjoy a comfortable home environment again. Schedule your appointment today by calling 859-905-0834!