Definition of Blower Motor
A blower motor is the component within a home’s HVAC system. The motor blows heated air through vents when the heating system is in use. Conversely, some blower motors blow cold air when the air conditioning system is in use. There are two main types of blower motors: single-speed motors and variable-speed motors. Single-speed blower motors blow air at one speed. Variable-speed motors adjust their speed to blow air at varying speed levels. A properly functioning blower motor remains a critical component of your home’s HVAC system. The blow motor is vital in maintaining a comfortable temperature within your home.
How A Blower Motor Works
Thermostats work with the home heating and cooling systems to monitor the temperature. When the temperature drops below the thermostat setting, it signals the furnace to get to work. The furnace creates hot (or cold) air, which then needs to circulate around the various rooms of your home. This is when the blower motor engages.
A blower motor takes the heated or cooled air created within the furnace and circulates it throughout the home in order to ensure the temperature reaches what’s called for on the thermostat. It does this by spinning a fan, which blows the air through the ventilation system of your home. Even a small blower motor can move a large volume of air.
Single-speed motors operate at one speed, and full energy capacity when in use. The thermostat tells your blower motor when to turn on and off. Occasionally, single-speed motors result in cold spots because they only run when signaled by the thermostat. Conversely, variable-speed motors blow air higher and lower speeds, when desired. Therefore, this motor helps create a more evenly distributed temperature throughout your home. Plus, variable-speed motors are typically more energy efficient than a single-speed motor, which helps save on your monthly energy bills.
Examples of Blower Motors
Forced air HVAC systems include the most common example of a blower motor. A blower motor is also found vehicles, and is the part of that system responsible for pushing the hot air throughout your vehicle when you are running the heating system. It also blows through the vehicle’s AC evaporator in order to provide cool air when the air conditioning system is running.
Choosing A Blower Motor
When choosing a replacement blower motor for your furnace, it’s best to get an exact replacement unit. You can do this by finding the serial number on your blower motor and checking with the manufacturer to see if they have one available. If a replacement is not available, you can usually find a universal model that is compatible with your furnace. You will need to account for: type of drive, motor diameter, voltage, horsepower, speeds, rotation direction, size of the run capacitor (if required), and mounting method when shopping for a replacement blower motor.
A qualified HVAC professional remains the best person to help you install the correct blower motor for your home.
Blower Motor Maintenance
One of the most hard-to-miss signs that your blower motor is no longer working is that your furnace is constantly running, but the house still feels cool. By properly maintaining your furnace’s blower motor, you can ensure your family’s year-round comfort. Before each heating season, clean the fan blades, check the motor belt for wear and tear and adequately lubricate the motor.
Even with proper maintenance, there are some issues that can still cause your blower motor to stop working. For example, common issues involve the resistor, fan relay and climate control switches. However, an experienced HVAC professional evaluates and fixes any issues with these components.
Blower motor failure also derives from a bearing wearing out, the motor breaking or wearing out, or the fan cage becoming obstructed. However, routine maintenance, such as regular cleaning prevents the motor from becoming dirty. Frequently, furnaces reside in basements and laundry rooms. Therefore, dirt and even small lint particles often make their way into the motor, causing burnouts. Also, dirt buildup or debris falling down the ventilation system often cause obstruction of the blower motor fan cage.
HVAC Repair and Installation Services
Keeping the blower motor fan cage clean is essential to ensure proper operation of your HVAC system. Our team of technicians offer comprehensive HVAC repair services in Norwalk, CT and other areas. Our team have the skills and tools necessary to clean clean the blower motor in your HVAC system. Give our professionals a call by phone at (860) 325-7836 to receive assistance with performing maintenance on your system.