Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560, on average. 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.
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.
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.
Weak or Absent Airflow
Weak airflow or total lack of it is the most obvious sign of a bad blower motor. The problem could be due to a clogged blower from accumulated dust or debris. It could also be due to leaky air ducts or a bad capacitor.
Cost of Repair: While it may not be urgent, it's advisable to get it repaired soon to avoid more extensive repairs down the line. In summary, while it is safe to drive with a failing blower motor resistor, addressing the issue promptly can help maintain comfort and prevent further complications.
The most common reason why your blower motor won't work on any speed is that you have a bad or blown a fuse.
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.
Blower Motor Resistor Test
Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect. Okay, let's say there's no melting going on, but your fan doesn't work on all speeds. Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect.
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.
Weak Airflow or No Airflow at All
Weak airflow or no airflow from the vents is a common sign of a worn-out blower motor. Blower motors are subject to wear and tear like any other car part, which could hamper the flow of air coming from the HVAC system.
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.
You can reasonably expect to find replacement blower motors at Parts Geek from $20 to $120, while the majority of these motors cost between $190 - $275 when you buy them from other parts stores. Costs for this part depend on several factors: Compactness of design. Levels of blower precision.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
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.
Typically, the blower motor in cars is designed to last for as long as the vehicle does.
The blower motor won't spin – If the rotor that holds the fan blower wheel won't spin or is difficult to turn, the blower motor is likely broken. If the engine is receiving appropriate power and the capacitor is functioning correctly, but the blower will not spin freely, it may have seized, which is not uncommon.
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.
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.
The AC system is responsible for circulating air through the system and into your home. Therefore, if you notice that there is low or no airflow from your vents, it's an indication there may be a problem with your blower motor that needs repair or replacement by a professional.
Most residential HVAC systems use one-quarter, one-third, or one-half horsepower blower motors. These typically range from $100 to $1,000. Expansive homes and commercial buildings, however, may have units that require three-quarter or one-horsepower blower motors. These can cost anywhere from $175 to $2,000.
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.
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.