During scorching summers or chilling winters, the worst thing that could happen is a failed HVAC system. With approaching summers, you must inspect your home’s HVAC system to ensure that everything is in good condition. Failure to maintain your HVAC system results in unexpected issues that can make you sweat in summer or freeze in winters. Identifying issues early helps in repairing them soon. But often the problem goes unnoticed and that results in component replacement. However, even if you keep your HVAC system properly maintained, eventually a time comes when you will need to replace some internal parts or the entire system. Faulty parts such as malfunctioning blower motors can result in uneven indoor temperatures and even high energy bills. To prevent these issues and keep your home comfortable, it is important to identify signs of motor failure.
Why Replace Blower Motor?
The blower motor is a vital part of your HVAC system. It is responsible for blowing the conditioned air through the vents in your home. It is the blower motor that circulates the heated air by your furnace or cooled air from your air conditioner throughout your space. With proper maintenance, your HVAC system can last for more than a decade. But some parts like the blower motor may fail and need replacement earlier. Here are some signs that indicate your HVAC system’s motor is malfunctioning and needs replacement.
- Weak or No Airflow
The most obvious sign is no or low airflow from the vents. A faulty blower motor is responsible for weak airflow coming out of the vents. When this happens, it becomes hard for the system to achieve your desired temperature. The most common reason behind this problem is dust or dirt buildup. The motor may also malfunction due to a bad capacitor or aging. When the motor reaches the end of its life, you will need a new blower motor. If you notice no airflow, it typically means your blower motor is damaged to an extent that it needs replacement.
- Weird Sounds
A loud, unusual noise is also an indication that something is wrong within the system. When the belt or bearing gets damaged, you may notice a screeching or squealing sound. Sometimes, this noise issue can be fixed with simple lubrication and repair. But if the sound is a result of some serious motor damage, you might need motor replacement. Banging or rattling sound usually means a loose or broken part. To find the exact cause of the strange sound, call an HVAC technician for inspection.
- More than Usual Energy Bills
A malfunctioning blower motor can also increase your monthly energy costs. A Blower motor consumes the most energy and when it becomes inefficient, the heating and cooling system has to work harder to maintain optimal indoor temperature. So, an unusually high utility bill is a result of a damaged or worn-out motor. When an aging motor works harder to circulate conditioned air, it results in higher energy consumption. To save money on energy costs, it is best to get a new HVAC motor.
- Overheating
Dirt buildup that prevents the motor from venting could cause overheating. However, some other factors are also responsible for motor overheating. An aging and worn-out motor can undermine the performance of your heating and cooling system. To keep your HVAC system running smoothly, replacing an old motor is the best solution. If burning smells coming from your vents, then make sure to turn off the system and contact a professional right away. If your blower motor needs replacement, find a reliable electrical parts supplier to get a high-quality motor that can work for your system.
