Common Signs Your HVAC Blower Has Gone Bad
The HVAC blower plays an integral role in circulating conditioned air throughout your home. But like any mechanical part, the blower can fail over time. Below are key signs that indicate your HVAC blower may be on the fritz.
1. Inconsistent Airflow or No Airflow at All
A properly working blower moves air steadily, allowing you to feel a constant stream of air when you place your hand near the vent. If the air feels stagnant or if you feel sporadic bursts of air, these are red flags. The issue could be the blower motor is not spinning the fan blades with sufficient force or not working at all.
2. Unusual Noises
Under normal operation, your HVAC system should be relatively quiet. If you start hearing unusual noises like screeching, rattling, or buzzing, it’s often a sign of a problem with your blower. Screeching or squealing noises could be due to a motor bearing problem or a belt slipping. Buzzing noises, on the other hand, might indicate electrical issues. Rattling sounds can suggest loose parts, while unbalanced blower wheels might cause a thumping or banging noise.
3. High Energy Bills
While several factors can contribute to a rise in energy bills, a failing HVAC blower is often a common culprit, and usually an AC repair service is needed. A blower in poor health forces your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air and maintain the set temperature. This increased effort results in higher energy consumption, thus a sudden, unexplained increase in your energy bills.
Regular monitoring of your energy bills can help you catch this issue. If you notice a steady increase without a corresponding change in usage or energy rates, it’s time to call a professional to investigate your HVAC system.
4. Frequent Cycling
A good blower keeps your HVAC system running long enough to reach the set temperature and maintain it. However, when the blower struggles, it may cause the system to shut down prematurely or repeatedly turn on and off in an unsuccessful attempt to cool your home. Short cycling not only places additional stress on the system, leading to further damage, but it also results in higher energy usage and inconsistent room temperatures.
5. System Overheating
An HVAC system can overheat when the blower isn’t working properly. The blower plays a critical role in moving heat away from the system. If the blower is not doing its job, parts of the system can become too hot, resulting in the system overheating. You may notice signs like the system shutting down unexpectedly or a burnt smell. These are serious issues that require immediate attention.
6. Inadequate Heating or Cooling
Since the blower is responsible for distributing the conditioned air, its failure can result in hot or cold spots. If you notice that some rooms in your house are more difficult to heat or cool than others, or if you need to constantly adjust your thermostat to stay comfortable, these could be signs that your blower is not distributing air properly.
What Causes an HVAC Blower Motor to Go Bad?
1. Wear and Tear
Like any mechanical device, the components of an HVAC system, including the blower motor, wear down over time. The continuous use of HVAC or harsh operating conditions, such as extreme temperatures or high levels of dust and debris, can exacerbate this wear and tear. As components wear, they can cause the motor to work harder, ultimately leading to premature failure.
2. Lack of HVAC Maintenance
Lack of routine HVAC maintenance can cause several problems leading to the blower motor’s premature failure. For instance, not cleaning or changing air filters regularly can block the airflow, forcing the motor to work harder and causing it to wear out faster. Similarly, failure to lubricate the motor’s moving parts can create friction, leading to overheating and eventual failure.
3. Excessive Moisture
HVAC blower motors are designed to work in a dry environment. If the system is exposed to excessive moisture due to high humidity, it can lead to motor damage. Moisture can cause corrosion of the electrical components in the motor or lead to short circuits, both of which can result in the motor failing.
Get in Touch With Your Local HVAC Professionals Today
Don’t let a failing HVAC blower disrupt your comfort and peace of mind. If you’re in Olathe or the Greater Kansas City area, we’re here to help. We specialize in heating repair and replacement, AC installation and maintenance, geothermal services, and indoor air quality. Whether you need a routine check or suspect a problem with your HVAC blower, you can rely on us for top-quality service. Call Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling today, and let us help you maintain a comfortable environment in your home.
