How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Furnace Blower Motor?
Your furnace blower motor is an essential part of your HVAC. It is the reason your furnace or AC is able to blow the air throughout your home. Many reasons can cause the blower motor to fail, such as old age or a high amperage draw. If you have an issue, how much would it cost to replace your HVAC blower motor?
Replacing a blower motor will cost you between $250 to $800. However, if your unit is still under warranty, you may only have to pay for labor costs which are about $150. The cost will depend on the contractor you hire, the size of your unit, and whether or not you do it yourself.
Within this guide, you will learn what best fits your HVAC unit’s needs and the costs of these repairs. Also, we’ll cover all the factors of the pricing, so you have it in one area to compare.
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Furnace Blower Motor Replacement Cost
Blower Motor Replacement Cost | ||
Low | Average | High |
$150 | $450 | $2,000 |
If your units are separate, you will need:
- Two blower motors
- A furnace blower motor
- An AC blower motor.
Furnace motor costs are somewhere between $250 to $800, depending on your unit. However, if you have a higher-end model with a larger motor and access issues, expect to pay up to $2,000.
If you have an older furnace with too many problems, you may want to consider installing a new furnace. This will save you money over the long run.
Home AC Blower Motor Replacement Cost
The cost to replace a blower motor in your AC unit is the same price as a furnace because they share this same mechanism. You will pay anywhere from $250 to $800. Although, for a central AC blower motor replacement, the price will be higher. You may pay up to $2,000 on the higher end.
How Much Is A Blower Motor For An AC Unit?
Blower motor costs for an AC unit differs from that of a furnace blower motor, or a combination blower motor. For a blower motor for an AC unit, expect to pay approximately between $500 to $1800. Some factors of this cost are contingent on your blower motor size and type.
HVAC Blower Motor Replacement Costs
Whether they are gas or electric, all furnace units all use the same part, an air handler blower motor. On average, an HVAC blower motor replacement cost will be $450. However, you can expect the replacement estimate to be between $150 to $2,000.
Radiated heat and mini-split systems are ductless. These are set up on each room’s ceiling or wall and work with an outdoor unit to circulate the air. They have a smaller blower motor that can break if it’s not maintained correctly. The repair estimate for these units depends on brand and capacity, but expect to pay between $350 to $750 per motor.
Malfunctioning Condenser Fan
One factor that can put stress on your HVAC’s blower motor is a malfunctioning condenser fan. The condenser fan is responsible for keeping the compressor from overheating and for cooling the coils. It costs between $300 to $600 for an HVAC fan replacement. Failure to replace a broken fan can put stress on your blower motor, which may result in more costly repairs.
Blower Motor Installation Cost
There are two costs to consider: The cost of the unit and labor fees. HVAC technicians are usually paid $75 to $125 per hour. The job to replace the central AC blower motor takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Total labor costs to install a blower motor is $150 to $250. The majority of this price includes the cost for them to make the trip.
When you pay for a professional, the labor fee will typically include other elements such as:
- Inspection of the unit
- Diagnosis of the problem
- Removal of defective mechanisms
- Installation of new mechanisms
- Final testing of the unit to ensure it is working properly
AC & Furnace Blower Motor Replacement
To replace a fan motor, it will cost between $100 and $2,000 without labor. Although, this usually includes the whole unit with:
- The Motor
- Fan
- The Housing
Below is a price guide that includes the most common motor sizes and their associated prices.
Blower Motor Price By Size | |
Horsepower | Price |
1/4 hp | $100 – $550 |
1/3 hp | $100 – $800 |
1/2 hp | $120 – $1,000 |
3/4 hp | $175 – $1,500 |
1 hp | $250 – $2,000 |
HVAC Blower Parts
Of course, price is also dependent upon the part that you need to replace. Included below is also a price chart by part. This way, you can get the most accurate estimate for your repair or replacement costs.
HVAC Blower Parts Cost | |
Part | Price |
ECM Motor Module | $230 – $830 |
Bearing | $20 – $150 |
Belt | $5 – $100 |
ECM Repair Kit | $40 – $60 |
Blower Wheel | $50 – $275 |
Pulley | $50 – $250 |
Housing | $100 – $300 |
Capacitor | $150 – $450 |
Shaft | $50 – $200 |
Blower Capacitor Replacement Cost
One part of the HVAC unit to check first is the capacitor for the furnace. If this is malfunctioning, it can slow down fan speeds and cause similar faults as a bad motor. The part itself is no more than $30. However, the furnace capacitor cost can total between $150 to $450.
Blower Motor Price By Brand
Blower Motor Price By Brand | |
Brand | Price |
York | $150 – $1,800 |
Carrier | $100 – $1,600 |
Trane | $175 – $1,500 |
Rheem | $250 – $900 |
Lennox | $150 – $1,500 |
Goodman | $75 – $800 |
York
York is considered one of the most respected names within the HVAC companies. They are well known for their customer service, as well as their value pricing.
The average cost for a 16 SEER rating York HVAC unit would be around $3,200. However, for a York furnace blower motor, the replacement cost will range from $150 to $1800.
Carrier
Carrier was founded in 1915 and is based in Florida. They have a unit that fits everyone’s needs for design, efficiency, and preferred level of cooling. They have three different series over eighteen units.
Unfortunately, their parts are unreliable and may break easily. So, you could pay between $100 to $1600 for a Carrier HVAC motor. However, if the blower motor is overworked, it may malfunction.
Trane
Trane is a well-known HVAC company. Although, this may be due to their reputation within the commercial industry for HVAC. However, they make residential air condition and heating units.
They also have equipment under American Standard, since the companies acquired one another in 1984. For a Trane blower motor, the costs will range from $175 to $1500. The price depends on the unit’s size.
Rheem
Rheem has been manufacturing products for over 100 years, so they have a good track record. Their products are well made, and parts are easy to find as well as easy to repair.
It’s rare to need to fix them, though, considering Rheem products have a 20-25-year life span. Rheem blower motor replacement cost ranges from $250 to $900.
Lennox
Lennox is considered the Cadillac of HVAC units. All of their units are Energy Star efficient, and they offer all quality levels of basic, better, and best. Their products are good, but their equipment consists of a lot of stock parts.
Using parts that are originally manufactured makes them challenging to find, not to mention expensive. Costs for Lennox fan motor replacement will range from $150 to $1500.
Goodman
Goodman offers a wide range of affordable HVAC units. This makes them a top company to choose from, but they are not as established as Trane or Carrier. Even though they are cheaper, they are just as reliable. For a Goodman furnace blower motor replacement cost, you will be paying between $75 and $800.
Single vs. Variable Speed Blower Motor Cost
Single-speed blower motors are found on cheaper HVAC units. They run at one rate and are less efficient, but they are more affordable. A single-speed blower motor will be, on average, between $400 to $500.
Variable-speed blower motors operate at different speeds for increasing efficiency in the airflow to your home. They are found in higher-end models and provide more consistent temperatures. The beauty of these is that they’re also quiet when running.
Of course, all these benefits come with a cost of 50% more than single speed motors. York variable speed blower motors fall within the average cost range of $600 to $800.
PSC vs. ECM Motor
If your HVAC unit is five years or older, more than likely, you have a PSC blower motor. PSC systems use a single-speed blower motor and are less efficient, as they only run at full speed. The PSC motors are the standard for older models.
If your HVAC unit is newer and has a 95% or higher efficiency, it more than likely has an ECM blower motor. ECM systems are a variable-speed blower motor and adjust based on the needs of the house. It decreases energy usage by up to 75% than that of the PSC systems.
Blower Motor Repair Cost
Repairing a blower motor may seem easier than replacing the motor. Although, that depends on your HVAC system. One common issue of older models is the belt. If you have belt issues, you may have the wrong one installed.
There are several signs that indicate your belt might be the wrong size, such as:
- It is worn out
- The belt looks frayed
- It may be misaligned
The belt will likely not be more than $50 to replace, depending on the motor’s size. However, if it is misdiagnosed, it could cost you more money. Repairs for smaller items like the blower wheel, or pulley system, can be as much as $250.
If there are multiple problems with the blower, total costs could range up to $1500. In some of these cases, you may want to consider replacing the whole motor, which can be almost $2,000 with the worst-case scenario.
DIY vs. Hiring A Professional
Newer HVAC units are more complex and have many reasons that they break. The motor could be part of the problem, but it could also be the electrical circuits. If you are unsure where to start, it is recommended to call an HVAC professional in your area to do a thorough inspection.
Doing repair work on your own can save you money; however, you could be replacing equipment that does not need to be replaced. It’s not an easy job to replace the motor yourself, but it is feasible for the average DIYer. Some thoughts to consider before replacing the motor is:
- Make sure it is the blower motor that is failing.
- If the main problem is not fixed, you may ruin the new motor you are installing.
Bad Furnace Blower Motor Symptoms
There are several signs that point to a lousy furnace blower motor. They’re relatively easy to spot, and you can check for these issues yourself:
- No airflow
- Strange noises
- Rattling
- Clanking
- Banging
- Overheating motor
If you don’t notice any physical symptoms within your home, you may notice a financial difference. If the motor is bad, it uses more energy; thus, you will see a rise in your energy bill. Regardless of the sign, if something is wrong, you should shut your system down until you can call someone to diagnose the issue.
How Do You Test A Furnace Blower Motor?
There are some simple ways to check your furnace blower motor. However, it is recommended to have a professional do a final diagnostic on your HVAC unit. Some tests require a multimeter and a capacitor tester to check the windings and the capacitor.
If you want to do some troubleshooting with your blower motor, follow these steps:
- Check the air ducts and filter for dust and debris.
- Check the wheel for debris and if it still spins.
- Feel the motor for heat. If it is warm, there is a problem.
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Related Questions
What is the difference between a furnace and an AC blower motor?
The only difference between the two motors is what unit it is in. If you have a combined HVAC unit, then it uses the same blower. All blower motors are made with the same mechanisms for either a furnace or an AC unit.
Where is the AC blower motor?
HVAC units are usually installed in the basement or the attic. On rare occasions, you may have a utility closet designated to the unit. If you have a mini-split unit, these are individually installed in each room. The AC blower motor can be found in the air handler of the main HVAC unit.
What is an AC blower motor?
A blower motor is a motor that is attached to a wheel fan. This blows air through your evaporator coils, into the air ducts, and out of the vents. It is the same blower that is used in a furnace.
Can you upgrade a furnace blower?
Yes! Furnace motor replacements are a great time to take advantage of improving this equipment. Especially if your HVAC unit has an outdated PSC system, it would be better to replace it with an ECM system. You and your utility bill will benefit from this as the upgrade will cool/heat your home more efficiently.
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Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
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