A failing HVAC system, complete with noise from worn-out parts and malfunctioning furnaces, is the last thing you want when summer temperatures soar to triple digits in Las Vegas. Regular maintenance can prevent debris from causing unwanted blockages, ensuring that your blower motor remains in excellent condition. If you find that your air conditioner (AC) is unable to provide adequate cooling, or showing unusual heating patterns and other issues, it’s crucial to identify and fix the problem swiftly and efficiently using quality parts. A sturdy and reliable filter can serve to enhance the life of your unit, ensuring a comfortable environment in your home.
There are numerous factors that can cause your HVAC unit to become ineffective. Sometimes these are small problems like built-up debris that can be easily fixed with regular maintenance. And sometimes these are major issues, for instance, a bad component like a heating coil or AC unit needing a replacement. Issues like these are typically covered under the warranty, provided the parts fail within the stipulated time.
The blower motor is an important component of your air-conditioner. If it isn’t working properly, it can significantly affect the comfort level and air quality in your home. Here’s a comprehensive guide for determining if you need to replace the blower motor in your HVAC system:
What Is a Blower Motor?
The blower motor is a component in your HVAC system that blows the conditioned air through vents in your home. It takes the cool air created by your air-conditioner and circulates it throughout your indoor space, eradicating any stagnant heat and reducing noise. This process ensures that the temperature reaches the level dictated by the thermostat. It performs this task by spinning a fan, which causes air to move through the filtered ducts and vents in your home. The blower motor resistor is what controls the speed. Even a small motor is capable of moving a large volume of conditioned air.
There are basically two types of blower motors: the single-speed motor and the variable-speed motor. A single-speed motor blows air at only one speed and full capacity when it’s operating. It turns on and off according to the thermostat’s instructions. A variable-speed motor, on the other hand, can operate at lower or higher speeds depending on the need. This advanced feature helps you get a more even temperature throughout your home and better energy efficiency.
5 Signs Your Blower Motor Needs to Be Replaced
Similar to other components in an HVAC system, the blower motor becomes more vulnerable to mechanical failures as it experiences more wear and tear over time. If your air conditioner is aging and becoming increasingly problematic with continuous issues, there’s a good chance the motor is in trouble.
Even if it’s repairable, aging furnace motors will likely malfunction again in the near future. So keep your blower motor replacement cost at the forefront of your mind. You don’t need to fork out money every now and then to pay for furnace repair or AC unit maintenance. It may be more financially sensible to get a new motor, particularly if its warranty is still valid. Look out for these five signs indicating it’s time to replace your HVAC unit’s blower motor:
1. Weak Airflow from the Vents
This is usually the first indication that you may have a faulty blower motor. If the airflow coming out of the vents is weak, check the motor. It can mean that your furnace blower motor is having a hard time pushing enough air through the ducts to achieve your desired temperature.
There are a number of possible reasons why this is happening, including dirt and dust buildup, bad capacitor, and an aging motor. If your blower motor is dirty or has a bad capacitor, you can call in an HVAC technician to fix the problem. On the other hand, if your motor is reaching the end of its service life, start looking for a replacement motor. It’s important to note that weak airflow can also result from dirty or leaky ducts or clogged filters.
2. No Airflow at All
If you don’t feel any airflow coming out of the vents, it may mean that a problem with the blower motor has developed to the point where the component is entirely inoperable. This issue is of serious concern and must be addressed promptly to prevent long-term damage to other parts of your HVAC system.In this case, pertaining to your house’s heating and cooling system, you’ll have to replace it with a new motor. However, the absence of an air conditioning’s airflow can also be caused by other factors. These factors can include dynamics such as a bad relay or battery, fan control problem, and a faulty thermostat. The best way to determine the cause of the problem is to hire a qualified HVAC maintenance team or heating contractor to inspect your system and conduct necessary repairs.
3. Unusually High Energy Bills
The blower motor is a significant part of your HVAC systems that uses the most energy in various areas of your house. So, it may very well be the culprit if you see a significant rise in your utility bills. An aging, problematic, or dirty motor has to work harder to properly circulate conditioned air throughout your home. As a result, you’ll notice increased energy consumption, signifying the need for a timely visit from a heating contractor to address potential issues with your heating system.
If your air conditioning system is way past its prime or using a single-speed blower motor, consider replacing the motor with a smart variable-speed model. This type of blower motor, with its advanced design, can automatically adjust its energy usage to meet the varying cooling needs in different areas of your home. Thus, it significantly reduces the amount of energy wasted, bringing down your utility costs.
4. Strange Sounds
Many unusual sounds coming out of an HVAC system may be indicative of a problem in the blower motor. This could be anything from a distant hum to a loud clanging sound. Some of the issues causing these strange sounds can be repaired by a professional HVAC maintenance team, while others may require replacement of the motor. For instance, squealing or screeching noises may signify that the blower motor has a damaged belt or bearing problems which can be addressed by replacing the belt or lubricating the bearings respectively.
If the motor is making rattling, clanking, or banging sounds, it may be because of a loose or broken part inside the system. Loud banging sounds are especially worrisome. They’re usually a sign that something within the system is damaged or disconnected, potentially indicating the need to replace the blower motor.
Regardless of the type of strange sounds your blower motor is making, you should turn off the system immediately and contact an HVAC technician. While problems such as a loose or damaged belt and bad alignment are easily fixed with well-timed repairs, neglecting them can damage the motor or its surrounding components intensely. A trained technician can perform a thorough inspection of your blower motor, providing expert advice on whether a repair or replacement is the most feasible solution.
5. Overheating
Your blower motor may overheat because of a number of reasons, compromising the comfort of your house. Elements such as dirt and grime can accumulate around the motor and prevent it from venting itself, leading to heat build-up over time. The answer to this problem is hiring a professional team to carry out comprehensive HVAC maintenance. Sometimes, age is the biggest threat to a heating system. If your blower motor is too old and worn out, it’ll have a harder time keeping your home cool. The additional strain can lead to overheating, breakdowns, and higher energy costs. In such cases, getting a new blower motor is the best solution.
If your blower motor is overheating, you’ll see some very clear warning signs. One of the common signs of overheating is a burning smell coming from the vents. This unsettling phenomenon is usually accompanied by a complete system shutdown. An air-conditioner with an overheating blower motor may shut itself off to prevent damage and electrical hazards. If you witness any of these signs, you should shut the system down immediately and contact an HVAC company.
Replacing Your Blower Motor
Let’s say the blower motor of your HVAC system needs to be replaced. An HVAC company can guide you in finding the right replacement model suitable for your house. There are cost-effective universal models designed to operate at a wide variety of settings. But these systems are only effective if they’re wired correctly, something that a qualified heating contractor can ensure.To get the right blower motor for your air-conditioner, a component which plays a vital role in controlling the temperature of your environment much like a heater in colder weather, the contractor has to consider a number of parameters. These factors include the type of drive, the diameter of the motor, rotation direction, horsepower, voltage, speeds, and size of the capacitor, along with the shape and arrangement of windings. The company first registers all these details to determine the right replacement for your motor or furnace motor blower. Then they’ll provide you a quote and you can start to plan your care schedule for the installation.
How to Find a Reputable HVAC Contractor
A replacement blower motor is more than an ordinary investment. It plays an imperative role in creating a comfortable atmosphere and healthy environment, by effectively adjusting the air vents for optimal air flow. So, it’s essential that you get the perfect blower motor. Procure it from a credible air-conditioning contractor, one that boasts high-quality products and installation services. Considerable thought and care should be taken when deciding upon the type, brand and contractor for your blower motor.
Create a Shortlist
In your quest to find the right contractor, understand that there are numerous HVAC contractors in the Las Vegas area. But diligent research can help you decrease your choices to a few reputable companies. You can use review sites like Yelp, Facebook, Angie’s List, and Home Advisor, or check with the Better Business Bureau, to find local HVAC companies that have earned impressive reviews with their commitment to excellence and customer care. Friends, family, and social media contacts can also provide referrals and recommendations based on their experiences.
Look for Licensed and Certified Companies
Reliable HVAC companies may have certifications such as Diamond Certified and NATE. Such certification belts are a testament to their ability to deliver premium air-conditioning services. If a company does not employ Diamond and NATE-certified technicians, however, it doesn’t necessarily mean they lack quality. Plus, all their technicians should be EPA-certified, licensed, insured, and bonded. It’s important they perform background checks to ensure the safety of your family and property. These HVAC contractors must also be transparent about their license numbers on their websites and marketing materials, ensuring customers that they are authorized to operate in Las Vegas.
Make Sure the Contractor Conducts an Inspection
A reputable HVAC company will first inspect your blower motor to determine if it’s time for a replacement. This thorough inspection allows them to pinpoint the best kind of motor to be paired with your air-conditioner. They can also provide a more accurate quote if a replacement is indeed necessary. Do bear in mind the labor cost, as it’s an integral part of your total expense. A contractor that submits an estimate before inspecting your blower motor should be viewed with caution.
Replacing an aging or malfunctioning blower motor is akin to tightening loose belts in a machine, a necessary step towards efficient operation. An updated and functional blower motor can significantly enhance the performance of your HVAC system, reduce energy costs, and improve your indoor air quality. If your motor showcases any signs of decay, consider contacting The Cooling Company to arrange a comprehensive inspection or replacement.
At The Cooling Company, we can help you determine whether a replacement for your current blower motor is the best option. We are equipped to offer the specific replacement model or a suitable universal model if necessary. Our extensive experience, highly trained technicians, and a stellar track record of customer satisfaction makes us one of the most trusted HVAC companies in Las Vegas.
Give us a call today at (702) 567-0707 to speak with our friendly and helpful representatives who are always ready to assist with care and dedication.
