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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Like any motor, an air conditioner fan motor can become overheated if it works too hard and doesn't receive proper maintenance. If your AC has worked for you most of the summer, the stress could cause the fan motors to burn out.
Some homeowners naturally worry about the risks of a breakdown if they run the fan all the time, but this will not be a concern for you if your HVAC system was properly installed and maintained.
Signs of Trouble: Watch out for wobbling blades, unusual noises, or sluggish fan speeds. These could indicate worn-out parts, loose connections, or a failing motor, all signs it might be time for a replacement.
The short answer: Definitely not. (Unless you have manually engaged your outside fan to run constantly, but it shouldn't be running for hours on it's own.) If your HVAC is functioning correctly, it should keep your house cool by cycling on for 15-20 minutes at a time—with distinct pauses in between each cycle.
Signs of a bad AC capacitor include humming noises coming from the unit, slow starting or stopping of the fan motor, and frequent cycling on and off. AC capacitor troubleshooting should begin with checking for any visible signs of damage such as bulging capacitors or leaking fluid.
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.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
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.
One of the most prevalent factors that can cause a blower motor to stop working is a blown fuse. A fuse prevents electrical circuits from an excessive flow of current that may run in them. Over time or due to any sudden surge, it might blow the fuse and cut power to the blower motor.
The average lifespan of a furnace blower motor typically ranges from 15 to 20 years. However, this estimate can vary based on several factors. High-quality, well-maintained motors tend to last longer, while cheaper or neglected units may fail sooner.
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.