What happens when your blower motor goes out on your furnace?

Author: Filiberto Lowe  |  Last update: Sunday, July 20, 2025

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.

How do you know if the furnace blower motor is bad?

Here are the key indicators:
  • Unusual Noises. Screeching or Squealing. ...
  • Weak Airflow. Insufficient Heating. ...
  • Motor Overheating. Excessive Heat from the Furnace. ...
  • Inconsistent Performance. Start-Stop Issues. ...
  • High Energy Bills. An inefficient, struggling blower motor often increases energy usage and higher bills.
  • Age and Wear.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor in a furnace?

Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560, on average. Depending on the size and type of motor, most people pay $300 to $900.

Is it worth it to replace a furnace blower motor?

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. On average, a new blower motor costs $300 to $900.

What causes a furnace blower motor to fail?

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. If this happens and the motor is no longer operable, a new blower motor may be needed.

Furnace Blower Not Working - How to Check It

What happens when furnace blower motor goes out?

No Airflow from Vents

If the blower fails to operate, you won't receive any heated air through the vents in your home.

Is a blower motor easy to fix?

The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.

What is the life expectancy of a furnace blower motor?

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.

What is the most expensive part to replace in a furnace?

A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.

What breaks a blower motor?

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.

Can you replace a furnace blower motor yourself?

Undo the screws on the motor to remove the belly band. The rotation of the motor needs to match the direction of the fans, so position them accordingly. Attach the new motor to the belly band. Center the new motor on the fan wheel, fasten the bolts, and connect the capacitor.

How long should a furnace last?

What is the average life of a residential furnace? A furnace that receives regular maintenance can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend the life of a furnace even longer.

How do you know if your blower motor needs to be replaced?

Look for these key indicators that you have a bad blower motor.
  1. Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching. ...
  2. Weak or No Airflow From The Vents. ...
  3. A Sudden Spike in Your Energy Bills. ...
  4. An Overheating HVAC System. ...
  5. Replace or Maintain a Part in the Blower Motor. ...
  6. Replacing the Blower Motor. ...
  7. Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance.

Will AC work if blower motor is bad?

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.

How much is a blower motor for a furnace?

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.

What does it sound like when your blower motor goes out?

If it happens, you will hear unusual noises like slapping or sudden pop coming from behind the vent. Problems with the airflow have signs such as ongoing whirring, getting louder when you increase the fan speed.

Is it worth fixing a 20 year old furnace?

Repair: If your furnace system is less than 15 years old and the cost of repair is less than half the cost of replacement. Replace: If your furnace system is more than 15 years old and requires a costly repair to maintain efficiency.

How many quotes should I get for a new furnace?

Most experts recommend getting three to five HVAC quotes from licensed, insured, reputable local heating and cooling companies. Getting multiple detailed HVAC quotes (but not too many) lets you compare the equipment, services, and prices of several contractors without being overwhelmed by options.

What causes a blower motor to burn out?

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.

What would cause the blower motor to stop working?

Blower Motor Fuse Problems

A blower motor fuse is a critical component of the heating system. If the fuse is blown, the blower on the furnace won't turn on, leaving your home without proper heating. Inspect the fuse box for signs of damage and replace any blown fuses.

Do blower motors just go out?

The most common reason why your blower motor won't work on any speed is that you have a bad or blown a fuse. A fuse is a small wire inside of a connector that is used to protect the motor itself from a surge of electricity.

What happens if blower motor fails?

Recognizing the signs of a failing AC blower motor can help you take prompt action and avoid further damage to your HVAC system. Some typical indications of a malfunctioning blower motor include weak or no airflow from the vents, strange noises or odors, increased energy bills, and HVAC unit overheating.

How long does it take to replace a blower motor?

In general, it can take two to three hours to replace a typical blower motor.

Is a blower motor covered under warranty?

Parts Coverage: Most warranties cover the blower motor and related components. Labor Coverage: Some warranties may include labor costs for repairs or replacements, but this is rare. Exclusions: Normal wear and tear, improper installation, and lack of maintenance are usually not covered.

Previous article
What happens if you don't fix a gurgling toilet?
Next article
Are cast iron pans the healthiest?