If the blower motor in your HVAC goes bad, cool air won't be able to circulate through your home. The motor turns the blower cage that forces air through the ducts, so when the motor malfunctions, there could be reduced or absent airflow. Here are some signs of a bad blower motor and repairs that could be needed.

1. Signs Your AC Has A Bad Blower Motor

Since a bad motor could cause reduced airflow, your AC may run longer to reach the setting on the thermostat. This could drive up your power bill, and the first indication of a blower motor going bad might be a high electric bill. However, you may notice your home isn't cooling down first. If the airflow is absent or diminished, you'll notice your home is getting hot and uncomfortable.

It's also possible you'll hear odd noises coming from the air handler. The motor may even overheat and cause a burning odor or cause your HVAC to shut down as a safety mechanism. Since other malfunctions can cause these symptoms too, the air conditioning repair technician will test various parts in the air handler to pinpoint the exact problem with your AC.

2. Air Conditioning Repair Options

One of the first things the technician may check is the condition of the motor and blower. If they haven't been cleaned in a long time and are caked with grime and dirt, cleaning might be all that's needed as long as no damage has been done to the motor. A dirty motor can overheat and cause the HVAC to shut down. The technician may need to pull out the motor and cage to clean them thoroughly to see if that solves the problem.

Electrical issues could also be to blame for a blower motor malfunction. The technician may check the wiring and capacitor. The capacitor is similar to a battery that helps the motor start. If it's bad, the motor can't work the way it should. Replacing the capacitor is less expensive than replacing the entire motor, so it's important to check it first.

The AC repair technician can use a multimeter to test the motor and capacitor to tell where the problem is located. If the motor has mechanical or electrical problems, it will probably need to be replaced with the same type of motor.

Air conditioner motors usually last several years, so if yours wears out early, it could be a sign your AC hasn't had proper maintenance over the years. A buildup of dirt can wear out the motor fast, so if you have your AC cleaned every year, you might reduce the risk of another motor failure.