Where is the blower on an AC unit?

Author: Ms. Jayda Lockman DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

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.

How do I know if my AC blower is bad?

4 Signs of an AC Blower Motor Having Problems
  1. Low or No Airflow From Vents. The AC system is responsible for circulating air through the system and into your home. ...
  2. Making Strange Sounds. ...
  3. Overheating. ...
  4. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breaker.

How do I reset my AC blower?

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.

How do you clean the blower on a HVAC system?

Locate the blower: Find the blower assembly within your HVAC system. This usually involves removing an access panel on your air conditioner. Give it a clean: Use a vacuum cleaner to gently remove dirt and dust from the blower fan and blower wheel. Be mindful not to damage the delicate fan blades.

Where is the blower in HVAC unit?

For most furnaces, your blower motor will be located in the base of the unit next to the air filter.

How to Find the AC Blower Motor Number

What happens if AC blower is dirty?

Having a dirty blower wheel will make your HVAC system work harder and, if not addressed, eventually cause your AC system to stop working. A dirty blower wheel will also contribute to a high electric bill. Damage caused by a dirty blower can be costly to fix– but can be prevented too!

How to check blower motor on AC unit?

Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Step 1: Access the Blower Motor. Locate the blower motor within your HVAC system. ...
  2. Step 2: Set Up the Multimeter. Turn on your multimeter and set it to the appropriate setting. ...
  3. Step 3: Test for Continuity. ...
  4. Step 4: Measure the Resistance. ...
  5. Step 5: Test the Capacitor. ...
  6. Step 6: Check the Voltage Supply.

Where is the AC reset button located?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor in an air conditioner?

Installing a new heating and air conditioner blower motor could cost around $150 to $250, with most of that coming from labor costs. HVAC technicians usually go for around $75 to $125 per hour. A blower motor replacement might take anywhere from one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

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.

Does my AC blower have a filter?

All central heating and cooling systems should have an air filter, but some HVAC units make filters harder to locate. The filter is commonly located in a return air grille, within the air handler, or external to the air handler in a filter rack.

Can I run my AC with a bad blower motor?

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.

What happens when an AC blower stops working?

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.

How long do AC blowers last?

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.

Do all outside AC units have a reset button?

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.

Why is my AC unit not kicking on?

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.

Why is my AC fan not turning on?

An outside AC fan not spinning could be caused by power supply issues, a faulty capacitor, a burnt out motor, contactor issues, wiring problems, debris or obstruction, a faulty thermostat or control board, or frozen evaporator coils. Contact your local Carrier dealer to help troubleshoot the issue further.

How do you know if your AC blower went out?

Look out for these five signs indicating it's time to replace your HVAC unit's blower motor:
  1. Weak Airflow from the Vents. This is usually the first indication that you may have a faulty blower motor. ...
  2. No Airflow at All. ...
  3. Unusually High Energy Bills. ...
  4. Strange Sounds. ...
  5. Overheating.

How to reset blower fan?

How Do I Reset the Blower?
  1. Turn off the circuit breaker powering your HVAC system.
  2. Unscrew the blower cover.
  3. Give the blower time to cool down completely before proceeding.
  4. Push the reset button (typically a red button behind the blower motor).

How do I know if I need a new AC blower motor?

7 SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW AC MOTOR
  • AC Fan Doesn't Start. If you have a bad AC fan motor, you may have problems with your AC fan starting in the first place. ...
  • Overheating of the Air Conditioner Fan. As a blower motor ages, it can start to overheat. ...
  • Weird Sounds. ...
  • Higher Energy Bills Than Normal. ...
  • Weak Airflow From the Vents.

How do you clean an AC blower without removing it?

How to Clean AC Blower Wheel Without Removing
  1. Step 1: Open the Air Conditioner Housing. First, shut the power off from the air conditioner. ...
  2. Step 2: Locate the Blower Motor and Blower Wheel. ...
  3. Step 3: Use Compressed Air. ...
  4. Step 4: Vacuum Up the Debris. ...
  5. Step 5: Use a Cleaning Solution. ...
  6. Step 6: Let Everything Dry, and Assemble.

How often should I clean my AC blower?

A blower wheel is designed to keep air moving in and out of your HVAC system, and after years of use, dirt can build up on the blades. Most blower wheels need to be pulled and cleaned every 3-5 years, depending on usage and the home.

How do I know if my AC needs cleaning?

Here Are Five Telltale Signs That Your AC Coils Are Dirty And Need to be Cleaned
  1. Your electricity bill has been going up. ...
  2. Your unit seems to be running longer for no reason. ...
  3. Your home doesn't feel as cool as it should be. ...
  4. The Coil is Covered in Frost While Running. ...
  5. Higher Indoor Humidity.

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