Blower motors are designed to last just as long as your furnace itself, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Just as with any HVAC system, the better maintained and serviced your equipment is by experienced HVAC technicians the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you'll face.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the most prevalent factors that can cause a blower motor to stop working is a blown fuse. A fuse prevents electrical circuits from an excessive flow of current that may run in them. Over time or due to any sudden surge, it might blow the fuse and cut power to the blower motor.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
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.
Similar to other components in an HVAC system, the blower motor becomes more vulnerable to mechanical failures as it experiences more wear and tear over time. If your air conditioner is aging and becoming increasingly problematic with continuous issues, there's a good chance the motor is in trouble.
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.
In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor.
Most blower wheels need to be pulled and cleaned every 3-5 years, depending on usage and the home. A dirty blower wheel can negatively affect the airflow in your HVAC unit, causing your heat exchanger to overheat and AC coils to freeze. It will also reduce the efficiency of your blower motor and your entire system.
Overheating. Blowers with worn-out parts are more prone to overheating. This can damage other components in the system, and it can even be a fire hazard if it's not addressed. It can also cause your system to shut down, leaving you without any heat or air conditioning.
Blower motors are designed to last just as long as your furnace itself, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Just as with any HVAC system, the better maintained and serviced your equipment is by experienced HVAC technicians the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you'll face.
A blower motor is the part of an AC or furnace that controls the amount of air pushed through the air handler. A motor's performance can largely affect air conditioners' functionality in meeting industry standards. Blower motors typically come in two types – single-speed blower motors and multi-speed blower motors.
Average Costs for Blower Motor Replacement
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 the motor is burnt out, you only have one option; to replace it. Check the coming chapter for steps on how to do it. Unless you check and replace the parts of the blower motor circuit, fixing the motor will not help. Start with those parts.
Some commonly occurring signs that you have a problem with your blower fan are that there is no air coming out of the registers even though the system is running, there is a loud rattling noise, and there is a burning-type smell within the system.
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.
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.
If the blower motor wheel is dirty, it can disperse dust, allergens, and other contaminants into the air you breathe. Regular cleaning helps maintain better indoor air quality, which is especially important for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.