They will then need to remove the entire fan assembly and motor in order to access the compressor motor. After the new motor is installed and the condenser is reassembled, the refrigerant will then need to be recharged. The entire process will take quite a few hours and possibly up to a full day.
It typically takes one to four hours for the technician to replace the AC fan motor. Normally, good technicians will check for other issues during this replacement. If more problems are found, they will be repaired as well. This means that a full repair may take a little longer.
The average cost of a new condenser fan motor ranges between $300 and $700, depending on the model, your AC unit, and labor costs. While this isn't cheap, replacing your fan motors before they break can save you thousands of dollars in HVAC repair services.
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.
The Cost of Not Replacing It
Because of how hot the system runs, running your AC with a failed fan motor could result in your compressor failing, too. The compressor is a much more expensive component, typically running $1,400-$3,000, so procrastinating on AC repair could be a very costly delay.
A sure sign of a bad fan motor is a cooling fan that will not come on. The cooling fan should spin continuously during operation. You may hear a slight buzzing sound from the fan, but the fan will not turn at all if the motor has failed.
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.
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.
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.
Replacing a condenser fan motor on HVAC equipment is a relatively simple job for technicians, but it's always good practice to review the steps to make sure it's done properly and safely.
For AC capacitor replacement, anticipate spending between $150 and $400, depending on the capacitor's type and accessibility. A bad AC capacitor is a fairly minor repair, and most HVAC technicians will recommend a repair rather than replacing the unit when the capacitor is the problem.
AC condenser fan motor replacement costs $200 to $700 on average if not under warranty or $100 to $300 for labor under warranty. Central air conditioner fan motor prices are $100 to $400 for the part alone, depending on the brand, model, and voltage. AC repair services charge $75 to $150 per hour for labor.
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.
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.
If the motor is making rattling, clanking, or banging sounds, it may be because of a loose or broken part inside the system. Loud banging sounds are especially worrisome. They're usually a sign that something within the system is damaged or disconnected, potentially indicating the need to replace the 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. The same blower motor is used for both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making it essential for maintaining indoor climate control.
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.
If your blower motor starts to go out, it can cause the rest of the system to overwork and heat up.
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.
Another cause of failure for fan motors is that the run capacitor deteriorates, which causes them to spin slowly, or that the thermal fuse fails, which turned out to be the cause for the fan below.
Your AC is rendered useless without a functioning fan or furnace blower motor. This could also mean that you need a furnace repair or should start looking at costs for blower motor replacement. In addition, you will either suffer from no air or weak airflow with fan problems.