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.
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.
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.
If the blower isn't turning on at all, this is a symptom that can indicate a full replacement motor is necessary. Other problems that can cause this symptom are a faulty relay, bad thermostat, or problem with the unit's fan control. Each of these issues should be diagnosed and repaired by an HVAC technician.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This fan is powered by a motor, and like most HVAC components, that motor sometimes fails. The older your furnace is, the more likely this is to happen. Luckily, residential HVAC contractors can usually replace or repair broken blower motors.
Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching
One of the first signs you may notice when there's an issue with the blower motor is a strange noise coming from the indoor unit or air handler.
Most blower wheels need to be pulled and cleaned every 3-5 years, depending on usage and the home. A dirty blower wheel can negatively affect the airflow in your HVAC unit, causing your heat exchanger to overheat and AC coils to freeze. It will also reduce the efficiency of your blower motor and your entire system.
There are several things that could cause a blower fan to burn out, and most of them are related to wear and tear on the component. Causes of blower fan burnout include: Windings that have deteriorated. Bearings that have seized after running out of oil.
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.
A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.
A blower motor replacement can cost between $150 and $2,000 depending on the size of the motor, single or variable speed, accessibility and difficulty of installation, and contractor labor rates.
Typically, the lifespan of furnace blower motors spans from a minimum of 10 years up to about 20 years, with most enduring an average period between 15 and 20 years. The same blower motor is used for both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making it essential for maintaining indoor climate control.
A furnace's age is a key factor in deciding whether to replace the blower motor or the entire unit. If the furnace is only a few years old, replacing the blower motor will likely be the more practical solution.
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.