How to Spot a Blower Motor Problem

Many homeowners in Lakeland and throughout Central Florida experience problems with the air conditioning system in the summer. During this and other humid times of the year, the AC blower motor is working overtime, periodically cycling on and off to keep your home cool and comfortable.

The blower motor is the heart of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. While it is forcing conditioned air through a network of ducts, registers, and vents, it also powers a fan that removes the heat inside your home. When the blower motor is not functioning correctly, the A/C system will not perform efficiently. You may also notice that it is not keeping your home as cool and comfortable as you would like. So, here’s a simple guide that can help you spot a blower motor problem.

Electric Bill is Significantly Higher Than Normal

Higher than average electrical bills are often the first sign that your A/C is not performing efficiently. It may be something simple that will be resolved with routine cleaning and maintenance, or it could be the sign of a more severe issue like a blower motor problem.

Intermittently Stops Running

Another telltale warning sign that can indicate a blower motor problem is intermittent starting and stopping before reaching the desired thermostat setting. There could be several possible reasons for this, such as dirt build-up in the motor, an electrical issue, or the motor is reaching its end of life. Since one of the possible causes is an electrical issue, you should schedule a service call with one of our factory-trained technicians as soon as possible to avoid damage to other components that could lead to a more expensive repair.

Poor or No Airflow from Vents

When the a/c or furnace blower motor is operating normally, you will feel a steady stream of conditioned air flowing through the air ducts and vents in your home. However, when there is poor or no airflow through the air vents, it could be a sign that your blower motor is failing. The blower motor may operate continuously or even intermittently when this happens, driving up energy bills. It could also cause the motor to overheat. So, the best thing to do is to turn off the HVAC unit until a service technician arrives to diagnose the cause and repair the issue.

Your AC is Making Unusual Noises

Another warning sign is unusual noises like a loud hum, squealing, rattling, or banging. Sometimes, the noise can be from loosened fan blades spinning inside the compressor, worn bearings, or a damaged belt that need adjustment or replacement. It could also mean that the blower motor is wearing out and needs to be replaced. Turn off the A/C to avoid further damage to your compressor unit.

The Blower Motor is Overheating

Wear and tear, electrical issues, and dirt can impede the blower motor’s ventilation causing it to overheat. One symptom of overheating is a burning odor coming through the vents. Although central air conditioning and heating systems are designed to shut off automatically to prevent overheating, you should immediately turn off the A/C to reduce the risk of electrical fire when there is a burning smell in the vents.

Since many air conditioning problems have similar symptoms, contact the experienced and knowledgeable service technicians at Florida Air Express when you experience any problems with your air conditioning system. We will quickly determine if the cause is the blower motor or another issue. Call (863) 229-0137 or contact us online at to schedule a service call today!