The Essential Role of an Air Conditioner Blower Motor

Whenever an air conditioner malfunctions, many people turn their attention to the air filter to find the culprit. However, homeowners tend to disregard a crucial component of every air conditioning system: the blower motor. But why is it essential?

In this article, we'll outline the importance of an air conditioner blower motor and explain its role.

What is the function of a blower motor?

The purpose of an AC blower motor is to propel the fans, which move the air through the entire air conditioning system. As a result, the air moves through the evaporator coils, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat and distribute it across the house.

The blower motor is also responsible for moving air through the ductwork, thus providing cold air for the entire house. For this reason, the blower motor is an indispensable component of the air conditioning system. If it doesn't work correctly, the rest of the AC won't do its job either.

How to figure out if the blower motor is working or not?

A malfunctioning air conditioner can be attributed to several factors. For instance, the circuit breakers may have tripped, or the thermostat might be faulty. 

However, the blower motor may have stopped working; the most common sign of a broken blower motor is an air conditioner operating but not blowing any cool air. If this is the case, make sure to turn the air conditioner off since the evaporator coil could freeze up, and the compressor can suffer damage. This can restrict the airflow to an even greater extent.

To check the blower motor condition, we will remove the air conditioner's cover since the component is located inside. We'll check whether the blades are damaged and check if the motor can be turned easily. If there's damage to the fan blades or the blower motor has been seized, both components will need replacing.

On the other hand, if the blower motor turns easily, this may indicate that it's not receiving power from the air conditioner controls.

While these are checks you can perform by yourself, this doesn't mean you'll get reliable results when taking the DIY path. Instead, hire an experienced technician to get a sure diagnosis and recommend the most favorable course of action for the air conditioning system.

Preventing a blower motor from breaking

While some issues with the blower motor can't be prevented, regular maintenance will help maintain the part of the AC in good condition. Accordingly, try to clean the motor regularly to avoid debris and dust build-up obstructing the blower motor fan cage and causing the motor to malfunction.

Bottom line

Now you know just how significant the blower motor is to the functioning of an air conditioner. Maintaining it will keep it running for longer periods. Hire a professional to fix any breakage or recommend a replacement if necessary.

Stud Air Conditioning is a full-service installation, maintenance, and repair HVAC company serving Broward, Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach, and Port St. Lucie counties. Call us when you need help with your heating or cooling needs at (954)324-2905. We can help!