If you haven't traditionally had any problems and a fan motor, for example, needs replacing, even if your unit is over ten years old, just replace the fan motor! Your unit may still have a lot of life left. If you have a history of problems or other odd things have come up, you might have a harder choice to make.
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.
A sure sign of a bad fan motor is a cooling fan that will not come on. The cooling fan should spin continuously during operation. You may hear a slight buzzing sound from the fan, but the fan will not turn at all if the motor has failed.
AC condenser fan motor replacement costs $200 to $700 on average if not under warranty or $100 to $300 for labor under warranty. Central air conditioner fan motor prices are $100 to $400 for the part alone, depending on the brand, model, and voltage. AC repair services charge $75 to $150 per hour for labor.
The lifespan of a home AC compressor fan motor typically ranges from 10 to 20 years. However, several factors can influence this lifespan, including: Usage: Frequent use can lead to quicker wear and tear. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, can extend the motor's life.
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 loud AC noises are keeping you up at night, there's clearly an issue. Unusual noises such as rattling, grinding, or squealing are common signs of a bad AC fan motor. These noises often stem from worn-out bearings or damaged motor components and should be addressed quickly to prevent further damage.
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.
Your AC is rendered useless without a functioning fan or furnace blower motor. This could also mean that you need a furnace repair or should start looking at costs for blower motor replacement. In addition, you will either suffer from no air or weak airflow with fan problems.
Generally, when power vent motors burn out early it is caused by a lack of intake ventilation. If there is not enough intake for the CFM rating of the power vent (CFM = cubic feet of air moved per minute), the fan will be working harder than it should.
Many HVAC technicians use the "5,000 rule" when making this decision. Simply multiply the age of the system by the repair cost. If it's under $5,000, consider a repair; if it's over $5,000, it's probably better off buying a new unit.
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.
First, assess the overall condition of your vehicle. If the car is in good shape aside from the engine, rebuilding or replacing may be worthwhile. Next, consider the costs; rebuilding can often be cheaper, but if the engine has suffered significant damage, replacement might be more cost-effective.
What's the Cost of Repairing or Replacing a Fan Motor? The average cost of a condenser fan motor is between $300 and $500 (not including installation). If the compressor breaks, you are looking at a much costlier problem which could cost up to $2000. In some cases, your fan motor may be under warranty.
You will hear the capacitor clicking every few seconds if it is bad. This noise is the capacitor trying to release the energy needed for the unit's motors to start. If the start capacitor fails, you will typically hear the motor make a loud humming noise.
For quick reference, most HVAC systems are designed for a lifetime of up to 20 years. More specifically, systems that include blower motors have a lifespan of roughly: Air-Source Heat Pumps: 10 to 12 years, with a maximum of 15 years or more. Furnaces: 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules.
For AC capacitor replacement, anticipate spending between $150 and $400, depending on the capacitor's type and accessibility. A bad AC capacitor is a fairly minor repair, and most HVAC technicians will recommend a repair rather than replacing the unit when the capacitor is the problem.
Overheating: A failing or non-operational condenser fan motor can cause the entire outdoor unit (condensing unit) to overheat. This can lead to safety features like thermal overload protection and shutting down the compressor to prevent damage. An overheated system can result in erratic cooling or no cooling at all.
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.