It takes two to three hours to replace a blower motor. When you hire an HVAC repair company, they'll first turn off the home's electricity and gas, remove the old motor and other components, connect and test the function of a new motor, and reassemble the furnace as needed.
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.
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. On average, a new blower motor costs $300 to $900.
If you haven't done it already, the blower motor is extremely easy to remove and replace. Just do it.
If you suddenly hear loud and strange sounds like squealing or grinding, these are symptoms of a bad furnace motor blower that can signal signs of motor bearing problems or a damaged belt in older belt-driven models. Repairs may be possible or it may be time to replace the blower motor entirely.
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.
It takes two to three hours to replace a blower motor. When you hire an HVAC repair company, they'll first turn off the home's electricity and gas, remove the old motor and other components, connect and test the function of a new motor, and reassemble the furnace as needed.
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.
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.
A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.
Key Takeaways. Furnace blower motors typically last 10 to 20 years, with regular maintenance significantly extending their lifespan. Various conditions, such as environmental exposure and system type, can also impact how long blower motors last.
A non-working furnace fan typically stems from electrical issues, mechanical failures, or control problems. Start troubleshooting by checking your circuit breaker, thermostat settings, and air filter condition.
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.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
Most blower motors cost between $350 and $1,150, or around $550 on average, but other cost factors like labor, additional parts, and furnace location will increase your project cost. Keep reading to learn about the top four factors contributing to your HVAC blower motor replacement costs.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
Labor Costs
Hourly rates can vary between $75 and $150, and it will likely take an experienced professional HVAC technician between 2-3 hours to diagnose and replace the blower motor in your furnace or AC unit.
The time it takes for the mechanics to replace your car's engine depends on the model you drive and how old your vehicle is. Most engines can be exchanged in 5-10 hours under normal conditions, but the task might take longer if there are special requirements.
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.
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.
This fan is powered by a motor, and like most HVAC components, that motor sometimes fails. The older your furnace is, the more likely this is to happen. Luckily, residential HVAC contractors can usually replace or repair broken blower motors.