What Is a Blower Motor?
Blower motors are responsible for controlling the airflow for heating and cooling in your home. They do this by blowing air over the evaporator coil and into the ducts, where it is then distributed throughout your home.
Why is a Blower Motor Important?
The blower motor is a major component in your heating and/or cooling system. It sends conditioned air from your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner throughout your home. After your system has heated or cooled the air, the blower motor forces it through your ducts and out the vents in the rooms throughout your home.
Blower motors are built to offer either single speed or variable speed operation. A single speed motor starts when the thermostat indicates more heating or cooling is needed and turns off once it reaches the temperature setting. A variable speed motor operates at different speeds to provide for optimal air circulation and improved comfort while using less energy than a single speed motor.
What Causes a Blower Motor to Malfunction?
- Power Issues: Power issues such as wiring problems can cause the blower motor to malfunction.
- Overheating: If the blower motor gets too hot, it can cause damage to the motor windings, leading to malfunction.
- Dirt and Debris: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the blower wheel, causing it to become unbalanced and leading to motor malfunction.
- Age: Over time, the components of your blower motor can wear out and malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
How Do I Know if my Blower Motor is Broken? How Will it Affect My System?
- Reduced or No Airflow: If you notice reduced or no airflow from your vents, it may be due to a malfunctioning blower motor.
- Strange Noises: A malfunctioning blower motor may make unusual noises, such as squealing, grinding, or rattling.
- Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping: A blower motor that’s seized up is bound to trip a circuit breaker. This could also be caused by a bad capacitor.
- Burning Smell: Overheating burner motors will sometimes give off a burning smell that comes out of the vents in your home.
Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent many of these issues and prolong the lifespan of your blower motor. If you notice reduced airflow, hear strange noises, or any other issues with your HVAC system, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.
What To Do if Your Blower Motor Stops Working & What To Expect From a Technician
Start by turning off the HVAC system at the thermostat to reduce the likelihood of any further damage to your equipment. Then call a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and recommend a repair. Depending on the type of motor currently installed, this may be a part the technician carries on his van or the replacement might need to be custom ordered through the manufacturer.
As with most components on your HVAC system, regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent many of these issues and prolong a blower motor’s lifespan.