HVAC Motor Parts

Motor mounting brackets, also referred to as “belly bands,” secure an HVAC motor inside or adjacent to the equipment it is operating. They fit around the circumference of the motor’s body and fasten it to the motor housing.

A blower motor resistor is an electrical component that can change a blower motor speed by controlling the flow of electricity to the motor. In older HVAC systems, they operated by adjusting the voltage running to the blower motor. In newer models, the resistor is a solid-state module that sends varying signals to the blower motor to tell it to change speed.

Resistors are important to blower motors because without them, the motor would always run at full speed whenever turned on. Resistors help to conserve energy and flexibly adjust the amount of air being produced to meet external temperature needs.

There are three types of blower motors:

1. Single speed: Usually used in lower end furnaces, these motors can only go one speed.
2. Multi-speed: These motors can go two or more speeds and provide the furnace with more control. Usually used in higher-end furnaces.
3. Variable speed: These motors allow for the most precise heating and cooling through your furnace by constantly adjusting the frequency and voltage output to meet the motor’s needs. They use lower amounts of energy to startup, making them more cost efficient.

A blower motor ideally should run on 12 to 24 volts of power. Too little voltage means the motor will not run properly; too much voltage could risk damage such as overheating, fan malfunction, or electrical shortage.

HVAC blower motors typically last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. However, they can break down sooner if there is a lack of maintenance, failed bearings, or electrical failure. Making sure your blower motor is properly installed and cleaned periodically will ensure the longest lifespan for your HVAC system.