How do I know where my blower motor is?

Author: Clay Bogisich MD  |  Last update: Sunday, September 28, 2025

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.

Where is my AC blower motor located?

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).

Where can I find a furnace blower motor?

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.

How do I know if a blower motor is bad?

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.

Is a blower motor easy to fix?

The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.

Heat Stopped Working In My Car! Blower Motor or Resistor?

What happens if the blower motor goes out?

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.

Can you replace a furnace blower motor yourself?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a furnace blower motor?

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.

How do I know if I need to replace my blower motor?

You should replace your blower motor when you notice the following signs:
  1. Weak Airflow. The first indication that you have a faulty blower motor is when the airflow out of your air conditioner is weak. ...
  2. No Airflow. ...
  3. Unusually High Energy Bills. ...
  4. Strange Sounds. ...
  5. Overheating.

What causes a blower motor to go bad?

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.

How to check blower motor on AC unit?

Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Step 1: Access the Blower Motor. Locate the blower motor within your HVAC system. ...
  2. Step 2: Set Up the Multimeter. Turn on your multimeter and set it to the appropriate setting. ...
  3. Step 3: Test for Continuity. ...
  4. Step 4: Measure the Resistance. ...
  5. Step 5: Test the Capacitor. ...
  6. Step 6: Check the Voltage Supply.

How to reset furnace blower motor?

Learning how to reset your furnace blower motor is relatively simple, but there are a few steps to follow:
  1. Step 1: Turn Off the Power. ...
  2. Step 2: Inspect the Blower Motor. ...
  3. Step 1: Locate the Furnace Blower Motor Reset Button. ...
  4. Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button. ...
  5. Step 3: Check the Circuit Breaker.

How to clean a furnace blower?

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.

How to know if a blower motor is bad?

Key Signs of a Bad Blower Motor
  1. Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching. ...
  2. Weak or No Airflow From The Vents. ...
  3. A Sudden Spike in Your Energy Bills. ...
  4. An Overheating HVAC System. ...
  5. Replace or Maintain a Part in the Blower Motor. ...
  6. Replacing the Blower Motor. ...
  7. Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance.

What is the lifespan of a blower?

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.

Is it worth replacing a blower motor?

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.

How long does it take to replace a blower motor?

In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor.

How much is a new blower motor for furnace?

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.

What breaks a blower motor?

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.

What causes a blower motor to burn out?

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.

How to tell if a furnace blower motor needs to be replaced?

Here are the key indicators:
  1. Unusual Noises. Screeching or Squealing. ...
  2. Weak Airflow. Insufficient Heating. ...
  3. Motor Overheating. Excessive Heat from the Furnace. ...
  4. Inconsistent Performance. Start-Stop Issues. ...
  5. High Energy Bills. An inefficient, struggling blower motor often increases energy usage and higher bills.
  6. Age and Wear.

What does a bad motor blower sound like?

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.

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