The blower motor is an important part of your heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system. As the name suggests, it’s responsible for powering the blower or fan so that air circulates through the ductwork.
All HVAC systems have a blower motor. Whether you’re running the AC or furnace, the blower motor will push the heated or conditioned air throughout your home. The following are 5 signs your HVAC system has a faulty blower motor.
#1) Fan Doesn’t Turn On
If the fan doesn’t turn on when running your HVAC system, you may need to replace the blower motor. The fan should always turn on when either the AC or furnace is running.
If it doesn’t, air won’t be able to circulate through the ductwork. A faulty blower motor may prevent the fan from turning on.
#2) Fan Doesn’t Turn Off
In some cases, a faulty blower motor may prevent the fan from turning off. You can control the fan at the thermostat. Most thermostats have an ON and AUTO setting for the fan.
The ON setting means that the fan will continue to run, whereas the AUTO setting means that the fan will only run when the AC or furnace is running.
If you have the thermostat set to AUTO and the fan continues to run after the AC or furnace turns off, the blower motor may be faulty.
#3) Unusual Noises
Unusual noises can be indicative of a faulty blower motor. It’s normal for a blower motor to make some noise. You’ll typically hear it spinning or rumbling as it pushes air through the ductwork.
Unusual noises like rattling or clinging, though, are not normal. If you hear unusual noises coming from the blower motor, you should get it inspected by a professional HVAC technician.
#4) Burning Smell
Another sign of a faulty blower motor is a burning smell. Like most motorized components, blower motors can overheat when they fail.
They may spin too quickly or draw too much electricity, resulting in the production of an excessive amount of heat. All of this heat can manifest as a burning smell.
If you notice a burning smell, turn off the fan and your entire HVAC system until a professional HVAC technician is able to inspect it.
#5) Weak Airflow
Of course, weak airflow is a sign of a faulty blower motor. If you place your hand in front of a supply vent, you should be able to feel the heated or conditioned air coming out of the vent. If the airflow is weak or nonexistent, a faulty blower motor could be to blame.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
Hi Mike our a/c is working fine there is a oil residue on the top of the blower motor,should I be concerned about that? I didn’t think there was oil in a blower motor.
Please call me at 512-336-1431 to discuss the matter in detail.
How hot do air handler bearings get after five years usage or whatever experience you have? I used my IR Thermometer to measure ours and got a 180 degree reading.
What kind of price can I expect to replace ours? No noise (yet).