An air handler is a component of your central heating and cooling system that circulates air through your ductwork. Sometimes people refer to the air handler as the “blower,” but the blower motor is a part of the air handler.
No, an air handler is not the same as a blower. The air handler is a complete unit that includes the blower, along with other components like filters, coils, and sometimes heating elements. The blower is simply the fan within the air handler that circulates the air throughout the system.
Small air handlers, for local use, are called terminal units, and may only include an air filter, coil, and blower; these simple terminal units are called blower coils or fan coil units.
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.
An HVAC blower motor refers to the motor that runs the indoor fan to circulate air. It can go by many names: AC blower motor, furnace fan, and even furnace blower motor.
We've already explained how a dirty air filter can cause weak air, but did you know that holes or large cracks in an air handler can also contribute to this problem? They can also contribute to reduced air quality by allowing mold and mildew to take root and grow.
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.
An HVAC blower motor will occasionally fail due to age, wearing out, or not being cleaned regularly. Symptoms may include strange noises, burning smells, or just plain refusing to turn on.
An air handler is a component of your central heating and cooling system that circulates air through your ductwork. Sometimes people refer to the air handler as the “blower,” but the blower motor is a part of the air handler. This article will answer the question, “What is an air handler?”.
Usually, an air conditioner uses the furnace's blower motor, so no air handler is required. However, in environments where home heating is not required, an air conditioner may be the only HVAC equipment present. In this situation, the indoor air handler runs in conjunction with the outside unit, called the condenser.
Your typical central air conditioning connected to an air handler and using ductwork can last as long as 30 years with good luck and maintenance but will generally need to be replaced somewhere between 10 and 20 years.
Air handler replacement averages $2,300, with most homeowners paying between $1,500 and $3,400. Unit costs vary from $600 to $2,100 or more depending on size, type, brand, and other factors. Hiring an HVAC technician for installation represents about 50% of total project costs.
Blower is equipment or a device which increases the velocity of air or gas when it is passed through equipped impellers. They are mainly used for flow of air/gas required for exhausting, aspirating, cooling, ventilating, conveying etc. Blower is also commonly known as Centrifugal Fans in industry.
Most often, air handlers are located in the attic, basement or a dedicated closet, and may closely resemble the shape of a gas furnace. As its name suggests, an air handler “handles” the air inside your home and delivers warm or cool indoor air throughout your entire home.
Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching
One of the first signs you may notice when there's an issue with the blower motor is a strange noise coming from the indoor unit or air handler.
A constantly running HVAC fan can combat the number of bacteria and viruses within your home. According to the American Lung Association, the more your air circulates, the less chance the viruses have to spread. With air always on the move, bacteria and viruses can be pushed outside your home along with dirty air.
How Much Does an AC Fan Motor Cost? 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.
If you've noticed reduced airflow from your vents or rooms with inconsistent temperatures, it could be a sign that your air handler is in need of replacement. Restricted airflow is one of the most common indicators of a failing air handler, which can cause discomfort and decreased HVAC performance.
When you power up your AC unit, listen for a slight humming noise from the compressor. If you hear this, your capacitor may be struggling to start your AC's fan motor. In conjunction with a delay in turning on, this hum almost guarantees that your capacitor is heading for failure.
Average Costs for Blower Motor Replacement
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.
The forward curve centrifugal fan is most commonly used blower in residential units.
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.