How long does it take to replace a blower motor on an AC unit?

Author: Dr. Newell Doyle  |  Last update: Friday, April 18, 2025

In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor. If a highly qualified technician has the part in stock, it can take as little as 1.5 hours.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor in an AC unit?

Installing a new heating and air conditioner blower motor could cost around $150 to $250, with most of that coming from labor costs. HVAC technicians usually go for around $75 to $125 per hour. A blower motor replacement might take anywhere from one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours.

Can I run my AC with a bad blower motor?

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.

What is the life expectancy of an AC blower motor?

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.

What happens when AC blower stops working?

Without the motion of the fans, the air will not be moved properly, and thus the until will not cool your home. The best way to keep your AC fan motor running properly is to ensure it gets regular maintenance and air conditioning repairs by a professional.

How to test and replace a Blower Motor and Resistor | No heat or A/C help.

How long does it take to replace an AC blower?

In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor. If a highly qualified technician has the part in stock, it can take as little as 1.5 hours.

How do I know if my AC blower motor is bad?

Look for these key indicators that you have 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.

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

Weak Airflow from the Vents

This is usually the first indication that you may have a faulty blower motor. If the airflow coming out of the vents is weak, check the motor. It can mean that your furnace blower motor is having a hard time pushing enough air through the ducts to achieve your desired temperature.

Why would a blower motor go bad?

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.

How often should you replace an AC fan motor?

Although AC fan motors can last 10-15 years or more, a lack of regular maintenance can shorten their lifespan. Here are some signs you may need AC fan motor replacement.

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.

Where is the blower motor reset button?

In most newer systems, the button is often directly next to the blower motor, while in older systems, it may be harder to spot as it is sometimes underneath or behind the motor. The reset button is often made of yellow or red plastic and marked with a large “R ” to make it easier to spot.

Will low freon cause a blower motor not to work?

If the indoor blower fan has malfunctioned, cold temperatures outside the home, or low refrigerant charge, the evaporator coil can freeze. If this happens, call your local Trane expert for professional assistance.

How much is labor for 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 for parts and labor. The part itself costs $350 to $1,150, depending on the size and type, and labor costs around $150 to $250.

Can a bad blower motor cause AC to freeze?

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.

How much is a new HVAC system?

An HVAC replacement cost is $7,500 on average. This range could be as low as $5,000 or as high as $12,500, depending on the type and size of your unit, the brand, and labor costs. Your overall cost for a new HVAC unit could reach $22,000 if you add new ductwork and additional features like a HEPA filtration system.

How much is a new AC blower?

Cost for a single-stage blower motor could run between $300 and $900, while cost for a variable-speed blower could be between $600 and $1,500. Remember, though, the higher upfront costs for a variable-speed blower motor will be offset by reduced monthly energy bills.

What happens when your 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.

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.

What does it sound like when your blower motor goes out?

If it happens, you will hear unusual noises like slapping or sudden pop coming from behind the vent. Problems with the airflow have signs such as ongoing whirring, getting louder when you increase the fan speed.

How do you diagnose a bad blower motor in HVAC?

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.

Which of the following is a common symptom of faulty blower motor?

Car AC Fan Making Noise

This is one of the most common bad blower motor symptoms. The blower produces a rattling, screeching, or squeaking noise. A blower motor making noise can mean several things. It could be a worn motor, especially at the bearing or other moving parts.

How do I know if I need a new AC blower motor?

7 SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW AC MOTOR
  • AC Fan Doesn't Start. If you have a bad AC fan motor, you may have problems with your AC fan starting in the first place. ...
  • Overheating of the Air Conditioner Fan. As a blower motor ages, it can start to overheat. ...
  • Weird Sounds. ...
  • Higher Energy Bills Than Normal. ...
  • Weak Airflow From the Vents.

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.

How do I know if my fan motor or capacitor is bad?

Signs a Fan Motor or Capacitor Is Bad
  1. Fan Starts, But Only After a Delay. Demonstrates that the fan is operable, but underpowered.
  2. Motor Hums But Won't Start. Indicates electricity is flowing into the unit, but it doesn't have enough power to start up.
  3. Loud or Unusual Noises. ...
  4. Fan Runs Intermittently.

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