Why do blower motors fail?

Author: Andreanne Stracke MD  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

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.

Why does a blower motor go bad?

They fail on their own quite often. Repeated failures are typically caused by excessive current draw from the blower motor (usually caused by tight bearings), or restricted airflow past the resistor causing overheating (plugged cabin air filter, d...

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.

How long should a blower motor 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.

What causes a car blower motor to fail?

A defective ground wire or ground wire connection and an open circuit in the power-side circuit (including the fuse, wiring, and fan switch) are the most common reasons why a blower motor fails.

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD BLOWER MOTOR

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.

What is the life expectancy of a car blower motor?

WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A BLOWER MOTOR IN A VEHICLE? Typically, the blower motor in cars is designed to last for as long as the vehicle does. However, given the harsh and extreme conditions it has to operate in, the blower motor will usually have repair issues.

Why does my blower motor keep going out?

It most commonly occurs when the blower fan motor becomes aged or is overworked. A lack of regular maintenance is generally to blame for blower fan burnout.

Is a blower motor expensive to fix?

Repairing a blower motor costs anywhere from $150 to $1,500, depending on what went wrong. On the other hand, a full replacement might cost upwards of $2,000 once you factor in labor costs. So if your repair estimate is sky-high, you might get a better value with total replacement.

Do blower motors get weak?

Similar to other components in an HVAC system, the blower motor becomes more vulnerable to mechanical failures as it experiences more wear and tear over time. If your air conditioner is aging and becoming increasingly problematic with continuous issues, there's a good chance the motor is in trouble.

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.

Why does my blower keep dying?

You should inspect your air filter for any signs of dirtiness and replace it annually as most filters require. Another reason why your leaf blower might start and then stall is due to old gas. Old gas that is past its shelf life, which is longer than 3-6 months, can cause a blockage in the fuel filter and carburetor.

Why does my motor keep burning out?

The reasons causing a motor to overheat are varied. These include improper wiring, loose connections, or undersized line sizes causing a voltage drop at the motor.

Should I replace the blower motor or buy a new furnace?

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.

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 would make a blower motor not work?

Electrical Issues: Circuit Breakers, Fuses, and Wiring Problems. Within a furnace system, electrical problems and circuit issues rank among the most common causes of fan failure.

Why would a blower motor go bad?

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.

What is the lifespan of a blower?

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.

How much is a new HVAC system?

An HVAC replacement cost is $7,500 on average. This range could be as low as $5,000 or as high as $12,500, depending on the type and size of your unit, the brand, and labor costs. Your overall cost for a new HVAC unit could reach $22,000 if you add new ductwork and additional features like a HEPA filtration system.

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

A failing blower motor may emit unusual sounds. This may sound like screeching or squealing if it has bad bearings.

How do I reset my blower motor?

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 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.

How to tell if it's the blower motor or resistor?

Blower Motor Resistor Test

Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect. Okay, let's say there's no melting going on, but your fan doesn't work on all speeds. Typically, if the fan will work on some speeds but not on others, the resistor is suspect.

How much should a blower motor cost?

“An average blower motor can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500,” Smith says, “The more horsepower your motor has, the more expensive the replacement will cost.” This price range includes parts and labor. Residential blower motors are usually one-quarter, one-third or one-half horsepower (hp).

How many blower motors are in a car?

A majority of cars use one blower for the HVAC system. Some large vehicles such as vans and SUVs have two; one in the front and another in the rear. Blower motor features and configurations vary slightly.

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