In today’s world, indoor air quality has become increasingly important, especially in buildings or homes with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. One of the most critical components of an HVAC system is the blower motor. It is responsible for circulating the air and ensuring the system operates efficiently.
However, over time, blower motors can wear out and begin to impact indoor air quality negatively. This is why it is essential to recognize when your HVAC system’s blower motor needs to be replaced and seek professional HVAC services. This article will investigate when and why you should replace your HVAC blower motor for cleaner air.
What is a Blower Motor?
Let’s first talk about the blower motor. The blower motor in your HVAC system blows the conditioned indoor air through your vents. The blower motor circulates the cool air your air conditioner produces throughout your home. The blower circulates air to ensure your thermostat is set at the right temperature. The blower is an air-moving fan that spins at a high speed. A resistor controls its speed. A small motor can move large quantities of conditioned air.
Two types of motors are available:
- The single-speed blower motor will always blow air at full capacity and one speed. The thermostat will control when it turns on and off.
- The variable-speed motor can operate at multiple speeds, allowing for better temperature control in your home and even air distribution. A variable-speed motor can also improve energy efficiency.
Signs Your Blower Motor Needs Replacing
The blower motor is likely to be the problem if you notice that your air conditioner has been malfunctioning for several years. The blower motor is no different. It becomes more susceptible to mechanical problems with time, just like any other mechanical part. It may work to repair the motor for a while, but you should replace it when it starts acting up. When you see the following signs, it’s time to replace your blower.
1. Weak Airflow
Weak airflow from your air conditioner indicates the blower motor has failed. Weak airflow indicates that the furnace’s blower motor has difficulty pushing air into the ducts to reach the desired temperature. It could be due to dirt and dust in the motor, capacitor failure, or an old motor that is no longer functional. An HVAC professional should evaluate the problem to determine if the blower motor, dirty ducts, or a clogged air filter is causing the low airflow. If it’s the blower, they can either clean it or fix the bad capacitor.
2. No Airflow
A blower motor problem could have rendered the part inoperable. A motor that is not working will need to be replaced. A bad battery or relay could also cause the absence of airflow, a problem with the fan control, or even a defective thermostat. The best way to find out the exact cause of your problem is to call a heating and air conditioning specialist to inspect your system.
3. Unusually High Energy Bills
The blower motor in your HVAC system is the component that consumes the most energy. A filthy, aging, or problematic motor must work harder to circulate the conditioned air throughout your home. This could explain why your utility bills have suddenly increased. Replacing an air conditioner that has reached its end of life or uses a motor with only one speed is beneficial. The motor will automatically regulate its energy consumption while cooling your house appropriately. The energy is not wasted, and your bill will be reduced.
4. Strange Sounds
If you hear unusual sounds from your HVAC system, it could be a blower motor problem. If you hear squealing, screeching, or squealing noises from your HVAC system, the blower motor could be a problem. This can be fixed by replacing the belt or lubricating bearings. A motor that makes a banging, rattling, or clattering sound could have a broken or loose part. The loud banging noises are a sign that something is damaged or disconnected. They can be a problem. You should immediately turn off the unit and call a professional to replace the motor. You can immediately prevent the motor from breaking or damaging other components by addressing these problems. A professional may examine the motor carefully and decide if it is worth fixing or replacing.
5. Overheating
Your motor blower could overheat for several reasons. The dirt and grime on the motor can prevent it from venting. This will cause heat to accumulate over time. Your home will not be able to cool down if your blower is worn out and old. Overheating and breakdowns will result from the strain of producing cold air. You can tell if your blower is overheating by a couple of signs. The air conditioner may shut off automatically to prevent further damage or emit a burning odor. If this occurs, turn off your unit and call an HVAC expert to replace the blower motor.
Replacing Your Blower Motor
By contacting an HVAC company, you can be sure that the replacement blower motor is installed correctly and that it’s the right model. Specialists know the parts of the motor that can help you find the correct replacement. This includes the type of motor drive, its diameter, rotation direction, horsepower, and voltage. They also understand the size of the capacitor. They can provide a quote and point you toward cost-effective models operating in different settings. The installation can be scheduled.
Air Conditioning Contractor Crofton will inspect your blower to see if it needs replacement before we begin any work. Then, we will help you choose the right replacement motor for your air conditioner and install it. We guarantee that our extensive experience, highly-trained techs, and stellar record will ensure you are satisfied with the work we do. Visit our website for a quote, or contact us for more information.
FAQs
How long does an HVAC blower motor last?
-20 years. How long will a blower last? The blower motor in your furnace should last between 10-20 years. This is about the same as how long it takes to heat up. Both the blower and furnace will last longer with proper maintenance.
Can an HVAC motor be repaired?
You can either replace or repair the blower motor if it breaks down. Sometimes, the second option could be better. Continue reading to learn whether you should repair or replace your blower motor.
What are the causes of blower motor failures?
What causes blower motor failure? Like other HVAC components, the blower motor can wear out over time. Overheating and excessive moisture are two reasons why a blower may fail. The bearings and windings might burn more quickly due to dust, grime, and debris accumulation.
What is the most common symptom associated with a faulty blower?
If you increase the speed of your fan, you may also hear a continuous whirring sound or noises which change or become louder. All of these are signs that the blower motor is malfunctioning. You may notice burning or smoke while driving. If this happens, pull over immediately.
Why replace the blower motor?
A dirty, faulty, or old motor must work harder to circulate the conditioned air through your home. You’ll also notice a higher energy bill. Replace the blower motor in your air conditioner if it is old or has a single speed.