What Does An AC Blower Motor Do?

There’s a lot that goes into keeping your Sarasota home cool and comfortable. Take your air conditioner, for instance. Inside, you’ll find multiple parts that work together to send cool air throughout your home. Let’s dive into the AC blower motor’s role in the cooling process, including how it works and what you can do if it ever needs service.

Wait…What’s an AC Blower Motor?

Your AC unit needs some way to circulate air throughout the duct system and into each room in your home. That’s where the AC blower motor comes into play. The blower motor drives the fan in your AC unit, which in turn forces air to circulate through the ducts. In addition to pushing conditioned air into your home’s living spaces, the blower motor also allows the fan to draw return air back into the AC unit.

You’ll find a blower motor in every HVAC system, including air conditioners and heat pumps. The exact location may vary depending on the make and model, but you’ll typically find the blower motor within the indoor air handler portion of your AC unit.

Single-Speed or Variable Speed?

Most AC blower motors come in either single-speed or variable-speed capability. So, what sets them apart from each other?

• A single-speed blower motor turns on when the thermostat calls for more cooling and operates at a single set speed. This motor simply shuts off once your home reaches your desired temperature.
• A variable-speed blower motor (also known as an “electronically commutated motor” or ECM) does the same, but is capable of operating at different speeds. For instance, a variable-speed blower motor can run the fan at lower speeds for continued air circulation without using much energy or creating much noise.

In short, a single-speed blower motor offers all-or-nothing operation while a variable-speed unit gives you a greater range of speeds for greater efficiency and comfort.

Expect the latest AC systems to feature variable-speed AC blower motors. If you have an older AC unit with a single-speed AC blower motor, then consider an upgrade to a newer and more efficient system with the latest in AC technology.

Does Your AC Blower Need Replacement?

Maintenance is the key to a long-lasting AC system and components like your AC blower motor will occasionally need maintenance. Common problems include overheating issues, failed relays and noise issues stemming from wear and tear. If you have any of these problems with your AC blower motor, the experts at Airrific are here to take care of your AC service needs.

Need Air Conditioning Repair? Talk to your air conditioning repair experts at Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating today! Call (941) 371-3355.