When Should You Replace an HVAC Blower Motor?

 When living in hotter, dryer climates, an HVAC system that is showing symptoms of malfunction or failure is your worst nightmare. If your air conditioning unit is not providing cool air or is acting unusual, the best thing to do is quickly identify and repair the problem. Many factors contribute to the malfunction of an HVAC unit, most of which have simple solutions.

Some issues may be more complicated, such as a broken component that needs to be replaced. The blower motor is an integral component of an HVAC unit that must be in pristine condition so that the comfort level and air quality of your home, office, or building is not affected. To better understand the importance of the blower motor, this blog will outline the five signs your HVAC blower motor needs to be replaced.

The blower motor is the part of the HVAC system that blows conditioned air through the vents in your home. It draws in cool air that the air conditioner makes and circulates it throughout your house. The air is circulated to ensure that the temperature reaches the level indicated by your thermostat. Generally, the blower motor consists of a spinning fan with a resistor that controls the fan’s speed and moves air via the ducts and vents in your home.

There are two types of blower motors: a single-speed motor and a variable-speed motor. Single-speed motors blow air at one speed and to full capacity whenever it is turned on. Additionally, it will turn on and off based on the settings on the thermostat. Variable-speed motors, on the other hand, operate at multiple speeds, enabling temperature control and better distribution of air throughout an area.

Repair or Replace?

If you are experiencing issues with your air conditioner, the trouble is probably with the blower motor. Similar to other mechanical apparatuses, blower motors are prone to mechanical issues when used over time. Repairing the motor begins with identifying the problem.

  1. Weak Airflow

When the airflow out of your air conditioner is weak, you likely have a faulty blower motor. Weak airflow indicates that the furnace blower motor has an issue pushing air through the ducts to reach the desired temperature. Furthermore, there may be dirt and dust buildup in the motor, a bad capacitor, leaky ducts, or a clogged filter. While some issues have easy fixes, other problems may mean the motor must be replaced entirely.

  1. No Airflow

A lack of airflow could mean there is a problem with the blower motor, or it may be the result of a bad relay or battery, a cooling fan issue, or a malfunctioning thermostat.

  1. Unusually High Energy Bills

Since the blower motor is the component of the HVAC system that takes up the most energy, an aging motor has to work extra hard to circulate conditioned air throughout a building. This can result in a sudden spike in utility bills. It is recommended that you replace your blower motor with a new variable-speed model that is more energy efficient.

  1. Strange Sounds

Squealing or screeching noises may mean that your blower motor has a damaged belt or a problem with the bearings. In this case, you can easily replace the belt and lubricate the bearings. If the noises sound more like rattling, clanking, or banging, there may be a loose or broken part somewhere. Meanwhile, loud banging may indicate that something is currently being damaged or is disconnected. As such, you should turn the unit off and contact a professional as soon as possible. A thorough inspection will tell you if a repair or replacement is better.

  1. Overheating

There are several reasons why your blower motor could be overheating. For instance, dirt and grime on the motor can prevent it from venting properly, causing heat to build up over time. As previously mentioned, an old and worn out blower motor will have difficulty keeping your home cool, and the additional strain on its aging components can lead to overheating, breakdown, and higher energy costs. Some common signs of your blower motor overheating include a burning smell coming from the vents or the air conditioner shutting down completely.

Conclusion

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