For most furnaces, your blower motor will be located in the base of the unit next to the air filter. For most ACs and heat pumps, it will be located inside the air handler (i.e., the indoor unit). It's also possible that certain units may share a blower motor in the air handler—typically with an AC and furnace.
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.
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 Condenser Fan is located in the outdoor unit of your system. It helps dissipate heat from the refrigerant, converting high-temperature, high-pressure gas into a high-pressure liquid. The fan works by blowing air over the condenser coil, expelling the heat absorbed from your home into the outside atmosphere.
For most furnaces, your blower motor will be located in the base of the unit next to the air filter. For most ACs and heat pumps, it will be located inside the air handler (i.e., the indoor unit).
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.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
Why Is My AC Fan Not Spinning? In short, common issues that can cause an air conditioning unit fan to stop spinning are electrical issues, problems with the capacitor, contactor issues, a burnt out air conditioner motor, a broken fan belt, or clogged air filter.
Blowing the fuse cuts the power to the unit to prevent electrical damage. If your AC has shut down and won't start again, especially if you've noticed odd electrical behavior immediately before the shutdown, chances are the fuse has done its job and will need to be replaced.
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.
The replacement of the blower motor is common and straightforward, so most shops will perform the repair — many on the same day.
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.
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.
Not all air conditioning units have a reset button, but if yours does, it's typically located on the outdoor unit. Here's how to locate it: Turn Off the Power: Before you search for the reset button, ensure the power to the unit is turned off for safety reasons.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Check the thermostat
You should check if it's been set to the correct temperature and also make sure it's set to “cool”. If the AC settings are not right, it won't turn on. You can also check if the batteries in the thermostat are fresh and replace them if needed.
If the motor is making rattling, clanking, or banging sounds, it may be because of a loose or broken part inside the system. Loud banging sounds are especially worrisome. They're usually a sign that something within the system is damaged or disconnected, potentially indicating the need to replace the blower motor.
Replacing your HVAC blower motor, which typically needs attention every 10 to 20 years, costs about $560 on average, with most homeowners paying between $300 and $900. Factors influencing the cost include your geographic location, the size and quality of the motor, and labor expenses.
In most newer systems, the button is often directly next to the blower motor, while in older systems, it may be harder to spot as it is sometimes underneath or behind the motor. The reset button is often made of yellow or red plastic and marked with a large “R ” to make it easier to spot.
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.
The short answer: Definitely not. (Unless you have manually engaged your outside fan to run constantly, but it shouldn't be running for hours on it's own.) If your HVAC is functioning correctly, it should keep your house cool by cycling on for 15-20 minutes at a time—with distinct pauses in between each cycle.
A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel. Any humming noises indicate a problem with the air conditioning system or the components of the AC unit. Try turning the power on and off again to see if it was a one-time issue with the motor or a recurring problem.