How long should AC blower last?

Author: Dr. Edythe Heaney  |  Last update: Saturday, January 31, 2026

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 is the life expectancy of a blower fan?

A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.

How do you know if your AC blower motor is going out?

One of the most telling signs is if the blower motor isn't blowing air at all or the airflow is weaker than usual. If you set your AC or heater to the highest setting and barely feel a breeze, your blower motor control module could be the issue. Another symptom to watch for is the blower motor running inconsistently.

When should I replace my AC blower motor?

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.

How much does it cost to replace an AC blower?

The average blower motor replacement cost is $560, but the final price depends on labor fees, as well as the cost of the parts. Some higher-end models feature large or hard-to-reach motors, which could bring your HVAC blower replacement cost to as much as $2,400.

The Benefits to leaving your furnace fan ON

How long do AC blowers last?

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 HVAC blower motor is bad?

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.

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.

How much is a blower motor for an AC unit?

Replacing your HVAC blower motor, which typically needs attention every 10 to 20 years, costs about $560 on average, with most homeowners paying between $300 and $900. Factors influencing the cost include your geographic location, the size and quality of the motor, and labor expenses.

How do I know if I need a new blower?

Top Signs of a Failing Blower Motor for Furnace
  • Lack of Airflow from the Vents. ...
  • Increasing Energy Bills. ...
  • Weird Noises. ...
  • Overheating Blower. ...
  • Limited Airflow from Air Vents. ...
  • Constant Adjustments to your Thermostat. ...
  • Cold Air from the Unit. ...
  • Your Furnace is Not Powering Up.

What causes a blower motor to go bad?

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.

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

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.

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 long should an AC fan motor last?

The fan motor is critical for your air conditioner. When it stops working correctly, the air conditioner cannot move hot air out and distribute cool air inside your home. Most AC condenser fans will last 10 to 15 years if properly maintained.

Why does my blower keep dying?

You should inspect your air filter for any signs of dirtiness and replace it annually as most filters require. Another reason why your leaf blower might start and then stall is due to old gas. Old gas that is past its shelf life, which is longer than 3-6 months, can cause a blockage in the fuel filter and carburetor.

What is the useful life of a blower?

Blowers. From this table, blowers have an average effective life of 15-20 years.

How long do HVAC blower motors last?

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 much is labor to replace a blower motor?

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.

Why do HVAC blower motors fail?

One of the most frequent causes of a malfunctioning blower motor is electrical issues. These can include blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, or faulty wiring. Check your home's electrical panel for any tripped breakers or blown fuses and reset or replace them as needed.

How do I know if my AC blower is bad?

4 Signs of an AC Blower Motor Having Problems
  1. Low or No Airflow From Vents. The AC system is responsible for circulating air through the system and into your home. ...
  2. Making Strange Sounds. ...
  3. Overheating. ...
  4. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breaker.

How do I reset my AC blower?

Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release. Replace the Panel and Restore Power.

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.

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.

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 are the symptoms of a bad blower motor relay?

On some platforms, a faulty blower motor relay will cause the blower not to work at all, which means there will be no airflow from the A/C. On others, the blower won't work on “high blow” but all the other speeds will work. The blower motor relay fails because it regularly deals with high current loads.

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