The worst thing that can happen is that your air conditioning stops working in the middle of summer. That’s why you need to do regular maintenance, and in case there is an issue, try to repair it right away. There can be many reasons why your AC is not functioning properly, it can either be something minimal, or you might have to replace a component, such as the AC blower motor.
The central air conditioning blower motor is one of the most important parts of your system. This component is the one responsible for moving the blades and blowing cool air through the vents of your home. Also, the AC blower motor helps heat to be absorbed, creating a fresh environment in your home during the hottest months of the year. That’s why in case you were wondering if your system could function without an AC blower motor, the answer is no. But, to help you understand better this component, here is an in-depth description.
What Is a Central Air Conditioning Blower Motor?
The main task of your home air conditioning blower motor is taking all the cool air produced and circulating it through all the rooms of your house. The system will continue to perform this action until it reaches the thermostat temperature that you programmed.
You need to understand that there are two types of blower motors. The first one is a single-speed blower motor which at full capacity only blows air at one speed. The other one is a variable speed motor that has different speed levels. The last one can allow you to have an even temperature throughout your home, plus more energy efficiency.
Now that we know the importance of the central AC blower motors. We are going to take a look at some things that can happen when this component is not working properly.
When Does Your Blower Motor Need Replacement?
A central air conditioning blower motor, like any other component, will start having failures once it ages. That’s why if you’ve had your blower motor for some time, chances are your system is becoming problematic. In some cases, a technician will be able to fix the problem. But, remember that in the long run, you will need a central ac blower motor replacement.
To properly diagnose if there is a problem with your home air conditioning blower motor, we recommend you call an expert. However, some clues might tell you that you need a central ac blower motor replacement. Here is a list of signs that you should look out for.
- Having weak airflow
Overall this is the first sign that you will notice when central AC blower motors have an issue. When there is a weak airflow through your vents, this could mean your motor can’t push hard enough to reach the thermostat temperature.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you have to get a blower motor repair right away. Things such as a bad capacitor or dust buildup can also result in a weak airflow. That’s why to be certain you need to call an HVAC technician, who can tell you if the problem is fixable or if you need a replacement. Check out our article to read more about cleaning AC drain lines.
- There is no airflow
In case you notice that there is no air circulating through your vents, chances are your central air conditioning blower motor is damaged. No airflow could also be a sign that whatever the issue is with your motor cannot be fixed, and you should replace the component. But, before you go out to buy a new blower motor, you need to be sure there is no other issue. Check the battery, fan, and thermostat, because these components could be damaged.
- Getting high energy bills
As you now know, the central AC blower motors are an essential part of any HVAC system. This component, for its task, is also the part that utilizes more energy since it has to push the cool air through all the vents in your home. If you have an aging and damaged motor, this could lead to high energy bills. In case you have an old HVAC system, it will be better to install a new one right away. If you only need a central ac blower motor replacement, we recommend changing your old component to a smart one that can control energy usage.
- Weird sounds
Another sign that your HVAC system can give you is if you start hearing strange sounds coming out of your vents. For instance, if there is a squealing or screeching noise, that means the belt of your blower motor is damaged, or that its bearings need some lubrication. The good news is that a technician can solve both of these issues without a central ac blower motor replacement. There is a chance that you could also hear banging sounds. This only happens if something inside your system is damaged or disconnected.
If you start hearing these funny sounds, the best thing you can do is turning your system off and calling an expert. That way, after an inspection, they can tell you if you need a blower motor repair.
- Overheat
If your blower motor is too old, this can lead to overheating, high energy bills, and a possible breakdown of your HVAC system. In this case, you will have some warning signs, such as burning smells coming from your vents. Also, the system can shut down on its own to prevent any further damage.
Home Air Conditioning Blower Motor Price
In case there is a need for replacement, chances are you are wondering about the home air conditioning blower motor price. The first thing you need to know in this regard is that is recommended to replace your old motor with the exact same model. Since this is an essential part of your HVAC system, you can expect to pay up to $300. However, if you decide to upgrade your motor or if other parts need repair, the price can increase.
Some experts also recommend purchasing a new capacitor. That way, you will be ensuring the new capacitor is working properly and has the same rating as the blower motor. Plus, the good news is that the capacitor is an affordable component.
Blower Motor Replacement
If a replacement is the only option, you don’t have to worry since your HVAC company can help you find the right component. To make sure you will get the right blower motor the technician will have to check the type of drive, the diameter of the motor, horsepower, voltage, speed levels, and the size of your capacitor. After the company has your component, they will send you a quote and arrange the installation date.
After you replace your blower motor, we are sure that you will want to prevent another replacement. That’s why you need to clean the filter properly and schedule regular maintenance visits.
Final Thoughts
As we learned in this article, the AC blower motor is an essential part of your whole HVAC system. That’s why as soon as you notice that there is something wrong with it, you need to call the experts. Look out for all the warning signs presented above to help you diagnose the issue. Plus, remember that with regular maintenance and technician’s inspections, you will be able to catch any problem early, preventing any further damage.
