This fan is powered by a motor, and like most HVAC components, that motor sometimes fails. The older your furnace is, the more likely this is to happen. Luckily, residential HVAC contractors can usually replace or repair broken blower motors.
Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560, on average. Depending on the size and type of motor, most people pay $300 to $900. The average blower motor replacement cost is $560, but the final price depends on labor fees, as well as the cost of the parts.
Replacing the blower motor is likely the best decision if your furnace is under warranty or relatively new. It might be better to replace the furnace if it's old or has a lot of issues that require frequent repairs.
This occurs because the blower motor sustained damage due to the bad capacitor. When the bad capacitor is in the unit, the high temperature thermal limit prevents the windings from opening up or shorting out when the rotor is not spinning. However, the resin insulation on the motor windings melt down and degrade.
Typically, the lifespan of furnace blower motors spans from a minimum of 10 years up to about 20 years, with most enduring an average period between 15 and 20 years. The same blower motor is used for both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making it essential for maintaining indoor climate control.
A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.
Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching
One of the first signs you may notice when there's an issue with the blower motor is a strange noise coming from the indoor unit or air handler.
Overheating is one of the most frequent occurrences that can render the blower motor inoperative. If the motor has overheated, it may shut itself down to prevent damage. You should keep your HVAC clean and clear of any blockages or debris to avoid overheating and maintain efficiency.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
If your motor's electrics and bearings are constantly exposed to too much heat, then they will begin to fail. If you let your motor overheat repeatedly and fail, then either a component has broken or a bearing has seized.To prevent overheating, check your vents, filters, and in-room airflow.
If your blower motor is not functioning properly, it can't circulate air through your AC system, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and eventually freeze up.
Universal blower motors that work for any system is a thing of the past. The takeaway for homeowners is it may take a hot minute to procure the exact blower motor designed to work specifically with the brand and model of your HVAC system to meet efficiency and each manufacturer's requirements.
This fan is powered by a motor, and like most HVAC components, that motor sometimes fails. The older your furnace is, the more likely this is to happen. Luckily, residential HVAC contractors can usually replace or repair broken blower motors.
The average lifespan of a furnace blower motor typically ranges from 15 to 20 years. However, this estimate can vary based on several factors. High-quality, well-maintained motors tend to last longer, while cheaper or neglected units may fail sooner.
One of the most frequent causes of a malfunctioning blower motor is electrical issues. These can include blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, or faulty wiring. Check your home's electrical panel for any tripped breakers or blown fuses and reset or replace them as needed.
If the motor is making rattling, clanking, or banging sounds, it may be because of a loose or broken part inside the system. Loud banging sounds are especially worrisome. They're usually a sign that something within the system is damaged or disconnected, potentially indicating the need to replace the blower motor.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
Ensure the capacitor attached to it is good – whether you do it before you jump out the blower motor or not, quickly check the capacitor to see if it meets manufacturer specs. If it doesn't, replace it and retest. 3. Make sure the motor isn't getting too warm to the touch – Some motors just get old and dirty.
If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios: either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you're most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.
Standard Blower Motors: These might cost between $400-700, excluding labor. Advanced Multi-Speed or Variable-Speed Motors: These are generally more expensive, with costs ranging between $650-1250, not including labor. Labor Costs: These can vary, but typically range from [insert labor cost range].
If the blower motor is going bad, it will struggle to operate the fan. The result will be weak airflow coming from the vents inside your living spaces. This airflow issue can be one of the main symptoms that indicate the component needs to be replaced.
A failing blower motor may emit unusual sounds. This may sound like screeching or squealing if it has bad bearings. You may hear a rattle or a banging sound if something inside the motor has broken or come loose.