The AC blower motor takes care of that by blowing cold air through the house to keep it at an optimal temperature. But what if something goes wrong with your AC blower motor? This comprehensive guide will help answer some FAQs and teach you how this system works to prepare!
What is a Blower Motor on an Air Conditioner?
The blower motor is an essential part of an AC unit. It blows cool air through the interior of a home via the air vents and removes warm air from the outside of the house. The blower motor on an AC unit is there to turn the fan blades in order to move air through the AC system. There are two main types of blower motors:
- Single-speed blower motors that blow air at one speed
- Variable-speed blower motors that can be adjusted to blow air at varying levels of speed
How Does an AC Blower Motor Work?
A blower motor in an AC unit aims to turn the fan that causes air to be circulated through the AC system. Primarily its function is to allow air to be passed over the evaporator coils. During this process, the refrigerant is allowed to absorb heat and transfer it to the outside of the house. The cooled air is then blown through the AC ductwork in order to provide every room with cooled air.
Therefore, it can be seen that the blower motor forms an essential part of an AC system’s operation. If the blower fails, there will be no cool air produced by the air conditioner unit.
How Much does it Cost to Replace the Blower Motor in an AC unit?
Depending on various factors, a typical blower motor will cost approximately $400 to replace. If a second-hand part can be obtained, it could cost about 50% less than a new part.
Here are some of the factors to consider that will determine the price of a new AC blower motor:
- Manufacturing Brand
- Year of manufacture
- Capacitor
- Type of motor and mounting
- Size of the AC system – the bigger the AC unit, the bigger the blower motor in the air handler or packed unit
- If the type of OEM motor for the unit is unavailable, an equivalent match must be found with the proper voltage, rpm’s, and horsepower.
How do I Know if my AC’s Blower Motor is Bad?
Here are some indications that your ACs blower matter is not functioning optimally:
1. Weak Airflow
The first indication of a faulty AC blower motor is weak airflow. This often means that the blower motor is labouring to push out enough cool air.
2. No Airflow
If there is no airflow at all coming from the vents, this may mean that a problem has developed with the blower motor that has caused it to be entirely inoperable. When this happens, the entire motor will have to replace. However, other factors may cause the total absence of airflows, such as a faulty thermostat, a fan control problem, or a bad battery or relay. It is best to hire a qualified AC technician to check the system and determine the exact cause of the problem.
3. Overheating
There are a number of things that can cause a blower motor to overheat. The most obvious are accumulated dirt and grime around the motor that can prevent proper ventilation, causing the motor to build up heat over time. The best way to take care of an overheating problem is to call in a professional AC technician to service the blower motor.
4. Strange Sounds
Unusual sounds coming from the AC system may indicate that there is a problem with the blower motor. If you hear strange noises like rattling, banging, or clanking from the AC unit, it could mean that there is a broken or loose part. Some issues can be repaired, while others will require the complete replacement of the blower motor.
Loud banging sounds, for example, should be particularly worrisome as they are usually an indication that something is disconnected or damaged. If this has happened, the blower motor will need to be replaced.
5. Unusually Higher Energy Consumption
The blower motor in an AC system is the part that uses the most energy. If you notice a steep rise in your energy bills, there may be a problem with the blower motor. This is usually due to a dirty, ageing, or problematic motor which has to work extra hard to circulate cooled air throughout the house, leading to increased energy consumption.
If your AC has a single-speed blower motor or it is getting old, replacing it with a smart, variable speed model will help lower your AC’s energy consumption. Smart blower motors automatically adjust energy usage according to varying cooling needs, thereby reducing energy usage.
How Long Should an AC Blower Motor Last?
An AC blower motor can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Modern motors with sealed bushes and bearings can extend the lifetime of a blower motor to a maximum of 20 years. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning of the ducts and vents can also help extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
What Can Cause a Blower Motor to Stop Working?
In most cases, the resistor in a blower motor will fail due to overheating or corrosion. In some cases, mechanical resistance to the rotation of the motor may cause an excessive electric charge that can cause the motor to overheat, prematurely damaging the motor resistor. This problem can occur when the motor bearings have worn out, preventing them from spinning freely or by a foreign object that has jammed the fan blade.
Can an AC Blower Motor be Repaired?
A faulty or broken blower motor is impossible to repair and should be replaced by a second-hand part or a new one. If there is adequate power, but the motor is still not running, it may be an indication that the blower motor needs replacement.
How to Troubleshoot Problems with an AC Blower Motor
The most common problem experienced by AC technicians when a blower motor does not start-up is due to overheating. Although most AC units are designed to operate within a wide range of environments and temperature variants, there are numerous causes that can cause them to overheat.
In most cases, a protection mechanism will automatically shut down when the unit overheats. When overheating occurs, you should shut downturn the unit off and shut off the power. Allow it to cool down completely before switching it back on. If the problem persists, call an AC expert immediately to determine the problem.
Some AC units are fitted with an additional overload reset button. If the power has tripped due to overheating, the unit will switch off. The AC can be restarted by simply pressing the reset button.
Why Is the Blower Motor so Loud?
If there are loud rattling or screeching noises coming from your AC unit, the bearings in the motor or the motor itself may be faulty. A blower motor’s task is to force warm air out of the condenser and blow it through the air vents. To maintain optimal function and performance, the blower motor needs to be serviced regularly and lubricated with a specific type of lubricant, or the fan may seize, causing a loud noise.
Conclusion
This article has given you the lowdown on what an air conditioning blower motor is, how it works, and some of the causes for a failure. We hope that this information will help you identify if your AC unit needs a replacement to keep your home cool during these hot days! If any signs point to a bad blower motor, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Related Read: The Ultimate Guide To The List Of Air Conditioner Parts
from Cool Earth Aircon Services https://www.coolearth.com.sg/aircon-blower-motor/
via Cool Earth Aircon Services
No comments:
Post a Comment