92 400E Noisy Blower Fan ??

[RM92400E]

I recently noticed what sounds like a noisy fan motor coming from the general direction of the passenger side A/C vent. The sound is sometimes a high-pitched squealing noise and at other times a low-pitched churning noise. I am assuming this must be the blower fan.

What seems strange is that I hear the noise even when the Climate Control System is in the OFF position.

Does/should the blower fan run even when the Climate Control system is turned off ?

If not, does anyone have an idea of what/where this noise may be coming from ?

Thanks in advance for any help.......