No Airflow
If you notice that there is no warm air at all coming through your heat registers, then you may have a broken blower motor. This generally means the blower motor has failed completely, which may indicate there have been problems for a while.
One of the most telling signs is if the blower motor isn't blowing air at all or the airflow is weaker than usual. If you set your AC or heater to the highest setting and barely feel a breeze, your blower motor control module could be the issue. Another symptom to watch for is the blower motor running inconsistently.
A Failed Motor
An HVAC blower motor will occasionally fail due to age, wearing out, or not being cleaned regularly. Symptoms may include strange noises, burning smells, or just plain refusing to turn on. If this happens and the motor is no longer operable, a new blower motor may be needed.
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.
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.
Your AC's blower motor is responsible for moving air through your air conditioner to cool it and then pushing it back out into your home. Without this incredible component, your AC can't provide any cooling effect, no matter how much the compressor runs.
Blower Motor Resistor Test
Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect. Okay, let's say there's no melting going on, but your fan doesn't work on all speeds. Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect.
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.
Faulty Blower Motor
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.
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.
On some platforms, a faulty blower motor relay will cause the blower not to work at all, which means there will be no airflow from the A/C. On others, the blower won't work on “high blow” but all the other speeds will work. The blower motor relay fails because it regularly deals with high current loads.
Electrical Burning Odor
Electrical burning smells can be highly alarming. This odor could indicate an overheated blower motor. Blower motors commonly overheat due to clogged air filters.
Disconnect the blower motor from its power source. Attach the multimeter probes to the motor terminals. A reading close to zero indicates good continuity, meaning the motor windings are intact. A reading of infinity suggests a break in the winding.
The average cost for a Blower Motor Resistor Replacement is between $119 and $154. Labor costs are estimated between $43 and $54 while parts are priced between $76 and $99. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
What Causes Blower Motor Failure? Like other components in your HVAC system, the blower motor can wear down over time. 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.
“An average blower motor can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500,” Smith says, “The more horsepower your motor has, the more expensive the replacement will cost.” This price range includes parts and labor. Residential blower motors are usually one-quarter, one-third or one-half horsepower (hp).
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.
In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor.
The most common reason why your blower motor won't work on any speed is that you have a bad or blown a fuse. A fuse is a small wire inside of a connector that is used to protect the motor itself from a surge of electricity.