Unlike the condenser fan motor, the blower motor is located indoors. It's the component that blows cool air through the ducts and into different parts of your home. So it's essentially your air mover. There are basically two kinds of blower motors: single-speed blower motors and variable-speed blower motors.
The blower motor lets you adjust the fan settings of your air conditioning (A/C) system. The blower motor turns the blower fan, which forces air through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and out of the car's vents.
No Airflow from Vents
If the blower fails to operate, you won't receive any heated air through the vents in your home. If the blower isn't turning on at all, this is a symptom that can indicate a full replacement motor is necessary.
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.
Blowers operate at moderate pressure, with an air pressure ratio of 1:1.1 to 1:1.2, and fans move large volumes of air with little to no change in air pressure. Blowers direct air in a specific direction, while fans circulate air throughout a defined space.
The blower in a furnace is made up of a motor, fan blades in a cage (squirrel cage), and an electrical system to power it and control it.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
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.
In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor.
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.
A faulty ground connection will indeed disrupt electricity flow, causing a blower motor to fail. This may be due to corrosion, loose wires, or a disconnected ground wire. The problem would definitely be fixed and prevented by ensuring that the ground connections are tight and rust-free.
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.
A majority of cars use one blower for the HVAC system. Some large vehicles such as vans and SUVs have two; one in the front and another in the rear. Blower motor features and configurations vary slightly.
A car blower motor develops problems due to: Electrical problems such as faulty switch, blown fuse, damaged resistor or control module, bad relay (if it uses one), and corroded, melted, or loose connectors. Debris becoming lodged in the blower motor fan assembly.
“An average blower motor can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500,” Smith says, “The more horsepower your motor has, the more expensive the replacement will cost.” This price range includes parts and labor. Residential blower motors are usually one-quarter, one-third or one-half horsepower (hp).
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.
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.
Replace the blower motor if the bearings are excessively worn, windings are burned out, blades are damaged or persistently out of balance, or electrical issues are identified. Noisy operation despite lubrication and repairs indicates the end of motor life.
While costs can vary, homeowners can typically expect the following range: Standard Blower Motors: These might cost between $400-700, excluding labor. Advanced Multi-Speed or Variable-Speed Motors: These are generally more expensive, with costs ranging between $650-1250, not including labor.
A furnace by definition is forced air so will use a blower. Hydronic systems, steam and hot water radiators use no blowers.