Identifying Blower Motor in Heating System You can find the blower by disconnecting the furnace's power via its power switch or circuit breaker in your electrical panel. When the power is off, look for the furnace's access panel on its side. The blower motor is inside the blower assembly enclosure.
For most furnaces, your blower motor will be located in the base of the unit next to the air filter. For most ACs and heat pumps, it will be located inside the air handler (i.e., the indoor unit).
Blower motors typically sit near the furnace air filters within the furnace compartment. This is convenient because dirty air filters can cause problems for blower motors, so it is easy to check both at the same time.
Weak or Absent Airflow
Weak airflow or total lack of it is the most obvious sign of a bad blower motor. The problem could be due to a clogged blower from accumulated dust or debris. It could also be due to leaky air ducts or a bad capacitor.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
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.
Undo the screws on the motor to remove the belly band. The rotation of the motor needs to match the direction of the fans, so position them accordingly. Attach the new motor to the belly band. Center the new motor on the fan wheel, fasten the bolts, and connect the capacitor.
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.
The Lifespan of a Blower Motor
Furnace: A blower motor in a furnace can last a minimum of 10 years but up to 20 if you schedule regular maintenance to keep your unit in good condition.
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.
Using a toothbrush or paintbrush, you can clean between the fan blades, motor housing, and the entire unit itself. Additionally, a vacuum will be good to keep the dust down and suck up any clump of grime that gets left behind.
More specifically, systems that include blower motors have a lifespan of roughly: Air-Source Heat Pumps: 10 to 12 years, with a maximum of 15 years or more. Furnaces: 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules. DX Air Conditioners: 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules and manufacturer quality.
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.
In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor.
While costs can vary, homeowners can typically expect the following range: 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.
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.
Some of the reasons a blower motor might fail are overheating, and excessive moisture. When dust, dirt, and debris build up, it can cause the windings and bearings to burn up more quickly.
If your blower motor is experiencing some issues, you may hear a high-pitched squeal or whistling sound. You may also experience rattling and loud screeching noises. The motor blower pushes warm air out of the furnace through the ducts into your home.