Is your HVAC system struggling to keep your home at a comfortable temperature? Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair can help! Call our team at 317-768-0063 to schedule a maintenance call.
You rely on your HVAC system all year long to keep you and your family comfortable. HVAC units have tons of moving parts that could fail without regular maintenance, including the blower motor.
How long do HVAC blower motors last, and what role do they play in maintaining the set temperature in your home? This post will answer those questions and help you identify early warning signs of blower motor trouble so you can call the team at Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair, the heating and cooling experts in Greenwood.
Not every HVAC system has the same type of blower motor. That’s why it’s vital to schedule professional service. A trained HVAC technician has the experience to replace a faulty blower motor with a new one that works for your specific type of HVAC unit.
The Role of the Blower Motor in Your HVAC System
As the name suggests, the blower motor helps air flow through the ductwork of your HVAC system and into the various rooms in your home.
Depending on the type of HVAC system in your home, your unit may have a single-speed or a variable-speed motor. A single-speed motor basically just turns on and off to reach the set temperature.
The variable-speed motor, on the other hand, adjusts as it runs, providing better temperature control throughout your home. HVAC systems with variable-speed motors are typically more efficient when it comes to monthly energy bills.
The Lifespan of a Blower Motor
When you wonder, “How long do HVAC blower motors last?” there is no simple answer. The lifespan of a blower motor depends on what type of HVAC system you have and whether or not you keep up with routine maintenance. Here are a few types of HVAC systems and how long a blower motor could last in each one:
- Furnace: A blower motor in a furnace can last a minimum of 10 years but up to 20 if you schedule regular maintenance to keep your unit in good condition.
- Heat Pump: Like a furnace, a blower motor in a heat pump can last at least 10 years, and up to 15 if the unit undergoes regular maintenance.
- DX Air Conditioner: There are many units of differing quality, but a blower motor in a DX air conditioning unit could last at least 15 years, and with regular maintenance, up to 20.
Ten to 20 years is a huge variance, so what contributes to shortening the life of a blower motor? The first problem is that blower motors are exposed to air that might be polluted or damp from rainfall or snow. The drastic changes in temperature cause the blower motor to wear down over time. Annual maintenance can help you identify signs of wear and prevent further damage before it happens.
Signs Your Blower Motor Needs Professional Service
How do you know if your blower motor is in good condition or if you should call an HVAC company for service? Keeping your blower motor in good condition can help you save money on your monthly energy bills, and there are a few ways you can tell that it’s starting to struggle.
Unusual Noises
If your HVAC system starts making unpleasant squealing noises, that’s a sign that the blower motor needs service. An HVAC technician may need to lubricate the bearings or replace small components to get the noise to stop. A squealing noise is a common sign of blower motor trouble, and calling a professional right away can prevent a small problem from turning into a big one.
A Burning Smell
A burning smell coming from your HVAC unit could mean your blower motor can no longer keep up with the demand of maintaining the temperature within your home. The longer the blower motor operates, the more it wears down, eventually starting to overheat, which can cause your unit to turn off suddenly as it detects dangerously high temperatures.
Very Little Air Coming From Your Vents
Diminished airflow is commonly the first sign of a struggling blower motor. If it’s been a while since you scheduled professional maintenance, your HVAC system probably has a thick layer of dirt and grime preventing moving parts, including the blower motor, from operating normally. Calling a professional as soon as you notice weak airflow can help identify the problem, and a technician will clean away the dirt to restore service.
No Air Coming From Your Vents At All
When your HVAC system is running, you should feel a significant amount of air coming from every vent. If you hold your hand in front of a vent and feel no air coming out at all, your blower motor may have stopped working completely. A professional HVAC technician can let you know if you need to repair or replace the malfunctioning blower motor.
Increasing Energy Bills
You usually know about how much your monthly energy bill will cost depending on how much you use your HVAC unit. In summer months or in the dead of winter when temperatures are more extreme, you use it more often than during times when the weather is mild and temperatures are pleasant. If opening your latest energy bill leaves you shaken, your blower motor could be to blame.
The longer a blower motor works, the more it struggles, until it can no longer push air through your home efficiently. You’ll see the struggle reflected in skyrocketing energy bills. Replacing a damaged blower motor will help your HVAC system run efficiently again.
What Can You Do To Extend the Life of Your Blower Motor Yourself?
The best course of action is to schedule regular maintenance with a trained professional. If you’re someone who enjoys a DIY approach to home maintenance, there are some small things you can do in-between scheduled maintenance calls to keep your HVAC unit and your blower motor in good shape.
The easiest thing to do is to clean dust and debris that builds up on the components of your HVAC unit. The more dirt builds up, the harder it is for moving components to work efficiently. Use a soft brush or a cloth to wipe away dirt, but be careful not to damage delicate parts like the evaporator coils, or you could cause bigger damage than you may already have.
If you enjoy projects where you get your hands dirty, you can maintain your blower motor by lubricating the internal bearings. To do this, remove the outer cover and locate the bearings. Use silicone oil or another non-metallic option, and apply a thin layer to the bearings.
While you’re in there, take a look at the motor shaft. If you see any signs of wear, your blower motor could overheat at any minute.
Protect Your Warranty
Many HVAC units include a warranty that requires regular maintenance inspections. If you skip them, you could end up voiding your warranty, and you will be responsible for the full cost of repair. Along the same lines, if you attempt a repair job yourself and end up causing more damage, it could void your warranty.
The best course of action when it comes to maintaining your HVAC system is to call a professional for routine maintenance.
Why Choose Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair for Your HVAC Needs?
There are many different types of HVAC models, just as there are tons of different HVAC maintenance contractors. What sets Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair apart from the rest? To us, the answer is obvious:
- Short Turnaround Times: When you schedule service with us, our technicians arrive prepared. Our service vehicles have all types of tools and replacement parts necessary to help us complete the job in one visit in most cases.
- We’re Budget-Friendly: We know that maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home is something everyone deserves. That’s why we offer regular specials as well as financing options to help you get the service you need right when you need it.
- Your Friends Love Us: Word-of-mouth has always been the best way to gain new clients, and we are proud to say that 75% of our clients come from referrals.
- We Know Emergencies Happen: That’s why we offer 24-hour maintenance service calls. Not only that, but we never charge additional fees for holidays, weekends, or late-night emergencies.
Expert Blower Motor Service
A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.
Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair in Greenwood, IN, can answer the question, “How long do HVAC blower motors last?” as well as diagnose common HVAC problems. Fill out our online form or call 317-768-0063 to schedule service in Greenwood or the surrounding areas.