Your central AC blower, also known as the “indoor air handler fan”, is responsible for: pulling warm air into the AC system and pushing cool air through ductwork and back into your home.
The HVAC blower motor is the component that turns on your system's fan, pushing the hot or cold air out of the unit and into your home. Air heating systems such as electric and gas furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and mini-splits all utilize a blower motor to transfer this air.
A condenser fan is a type of fan that, as the name suggests, is found near the condenser. It's designed to remove heat from the refrigerant inside of the condenser's hollow passages. When running your AC system, refrigerant will pick up heat from inside of your home at the evaporator coil.
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.
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.
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.
Overheating is one of the most frequent occurrences that can render the blower motor inoperative. If the motor has overheated, it may shut itself down to prevent damage. You should keep your HVAC clean and clear of any blockages or debris to avoid overheating and maintain efficiency.
What is the difference between a blower and a compressor? The fundamental difference between a blower and a compressor is that a compressor moves gas or air from one point to another by leveraging pressure. Blowers distribute air and generate airflow by acting as a fan.
Over time, the fan motor on the outside AC unit can wear out, causing the outdoor unit to stop working even when the inside AC unit is on. The fan motor can last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance, like annual inspections and regular AC unit cleanings, but it will wear down faster without regular maintenance.
The four primary parts of an air conditioner—the evaporator coils, compressor, condenser coils, and expansion valve— work together to produce cool air.
Homeowner: A new evaporator coil replacement costs $630 to $1,700 if it is still under warranty. Homeowner: An indoor AC coil replacement costs $1,230 to $3,700 if it is no longer under warranty.
When the AC runs without the fan circulating air, it can eventually lead to the evaporator coils freezing over. Once this happens, your air conditioning unit is at risk of more serious damage. Turn the AC off and call an HVAC technician.
Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release. Replace the Panel and Restore Power.
The evaporator fan motor is part of the overall refrigeration system, and it pulls air through the coils of the evaporator to remove heat from the circulating air.
Cost for a single-stage blower motor could run between $300 and $900, while cost for a variable-speed blower could be between $600 and $1,500. Remember, though, the higher upfront costs for a variable-speed blower motor will be offset by reduced monthly energy bills.
Without the motion of the fans, the air will not be moved properly, and thus the until will not cool your home. The best way to keep your AC fan motor running properly is to ensure it gets regular maintenance and air conditioning repairs by a professional.
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.
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. DX Air Conditioners: 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance schedules and manufacturer quality.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
Weak Airflow from the Vents
This is usually the first indication that you may have a faulty blower motor. If the airflow coming out of the vents is weak, check the motor. It can mean that your furnace blower motor is having a hard time pushing enough air through the ducts to achieve your desired temperature.
Central air conditioning units are designed to cool the entire home by distributing cooled air through ductwork. The blower motor in these systems is typically housed in the air handler unit.