How long does a fan blower motor last?

Author: Dr. Virginie Schumm  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

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.

How do I know if my blower motor needs to be replaced?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a blower motor?

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.

How do I know if my blower motor is going out?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor fan?

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.

Indoor Fan Keeps Running - 10 Reasons Why

What makes a blower motor go bad?

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.

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.

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.

Do blower motors get weak over time?

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.

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.

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 often do you need to clean a 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.

Can a bad blower motor cause a fire?

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.

Is there a way to test a blower motor?

If you want to test a blower motor, you don't need to go to a mechanic yet.
  1. Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools. ...
  2. Step 2: Locate the Blower Motor. ...
  3. Step 3: Disconnect the Power. ...
  4. Step 4: Access the Blower Motor. ...
  5. Step 5: Set Up the Multimeter. ...
  6. Step 6: Test the Motor's Resistance. ...
  7. Step 7: Check for Continuity.

How often do blower motors go out?

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.

Does a blower motor affect AC?

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.

How can I tell if my blower motor is bad?

6 Signs of a Bad AC Blower Motor
  1. Understanding Your Motor Type. The first thing to know is that there are different types of blower motors. ...
  2. Weak Airflow From Your Vents. ...
  3. No Airflow. ...
  4. Unusual and Loud Sounds. ...
  5. Climbing Utility Bills. ...
  6. Overheating. ...
  7. Tripping Circuit Breaker. ...
  8. Keeping an Eye on Your Blower Motor.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

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.

Can blower motors be repaired?

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.

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.

How do you know if your fan motor is burnt out?

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.

What does a bad blower sound like?

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.

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.

Should you clean your blower motor?

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.

How do I reset a blower motor?

How Do I Reset the Blower?
  1. Turn off the circuit breaker powering your HVAC system.
  2. Unscrew the blower cover.
  3. Give the blower time to cool down completely before proceeding.
  4. Push the reset button (typically a red button behind the blower motor).

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