This project can cost anywhere from $150 to $2,400, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
The average cost for a furnace blower motor replacement is around $300 to $900.
The cost of a blower motor largely depends on its horsepower.
A blower motor should last between 10 and 20 years.
Replacing a blower motor improves efficiency, provides consistent temperatures, reduces power usage, and lowers noise.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
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. Budgeting appropriately and hiring a professional is essential due to the complexity and importance of the task.
Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560 on average. Depending on the size and type of motor, most people pay $300 to $900 for parts and labor. The part itself costs $350 to $1,150, depending on the size and type, and labor costs around $150 to $250.
However, for high-end models or complex jobs, like those with large motors or difficult access, you might pay as much as $2,400.
Since an AC unit and a furnace use the same blower assembly, the cost of an AC blower motor replacement is the same as a furnace blower motor cost: approximately $300 to $900 for parts and labor, with an average cost of $560.
However, there are a couple of important notes to consider. Don’t confuse the blower motor with the AC condenser fan, which sits inside your outdoor air conditioning unit. An AC fan motor replacement costs about $300 to $600.
Additionally, if you only have an AC and are considering purchasing a furnace, you’ll likely get a new blower during the installation.
Depending on what's wrong with your unit, you may need to replace the entire blower motor unit—including the motor, fan, and house—or you may be able to replace individual parts. Here are some considerations to better understand how much your repair may cost.
Professional installation of a new blower motor usually costs between $150 and $250 in labor, depending on your HVAC technician's rates.
HVAC technicians usually go for around $75 to $125 per hour, typically taking one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours to complete the job. This includes inspection, diagnosis, removal, installation, and final testing.
The cost of a blower motor largely depends on its horsepower (HP). For most homes, common sizes are 1/4 HP, 1/3 HP, and 1/2 HP. Here's what you can expect to pay for each size:
Blower Motor Horsepower | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
1/4 | $100 – $550 |
1/3 | $100 – $800 |
1/2 | $120 – $1,000 |
3/4 | $175 – $1,500 |
1 | $250 – $2,000 |
Replacing a blower capacitor costs $150 to $450 on average. The part costs approximately $10 to $30, and the rest of the expenses are for labor. A tech will need to test the capacitor and replace it if necessary. Similar to a bad motor, a bad capacitor can slow fan speed.
If you need to replace the blower wheel, also called the squirrel cage, the total cost with parts and labor is about $100 to $750, with the parts ranging between $25 and $300. There are many reasons why the wheel can break, including dirt buildup from lack of maintenance, bearings that go out, or age.
Scheduling annual HVAC maintenance is key to preventing issues with your blower wheel. Regular check-ups can help catch problems early and keep your system running efficiently. Note that furnace cleaning or repair costs about $130 to $490.
Here are some other blower motor parts that might need replacement, along with their typical costs:
Blower Motor Part | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Belt | $5 – $100 |
Bearing | $20 – $175 |
ECM Repair Kit | $30 – $60 |
Shaft | $40 – $250 |
Pulley | $40 – $250 |
Housing | $95 – $300 |
ECM Motor Module | $225 – $815 |
To get a better idea of the final costs of HVAC repair, you’ll need to take into account several factors. These include the type, brand, and size of your blower motor unit.
Single-speed motors, which typically cost between $300 and $900, operate at one constant speed. While they're more budget-friendly upfront, they are less efficient in the long run. They're commonly found in standard HVAC systems.
Variable-speed blower motors cost $600 to $1,500 on average. Variable-speed motors reduce power usage and provide more consistent temperatures. They also tend to be quieter.
Permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors cost $350 to $800. A PSC is either on or off with a one-speed setting. It has higher energy usage but is less expensive upfront.
Electronically commutated motors (ECM) cost $600 to $1,150. An ECM decreases energy usage by up to 75% compared to PSC. Multiple speeds mean more efficient air movement and energy usage.
The repair costs will vary depending on whether your unit is still under or out of warranty. Generally speaking, AC units have five- or 10-year warranties, which only cover parts. You'll be on the hook for labor fees.
On average, if your HVAC system is still under warranty, blower motor replacement will cost you $150 to $250 for labor.
You may notice that blower motors are a relatively expensive repair compared to the average cost of AC repair, which is about $170 to $620.
You may need to plan for an extra charge if your air handler is hard to reach. In some homes, it’s not an issue because the air handler is easily accessible through a closet on the main floor. However, if your system is in your attic or basement, the tech may add a fee to the labor costs.
The table below lists some common blower motor brands on the market today and their associated costs.
Blower Motor Brand | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Carrier | $100 – $1,600 |
Goodman | $75 – $800 |
Lennox | $150 – $1,500 |
Trane | $180 – $1,500 |
Rheem | $250 – $900 |
York | $150 – $1,800 |
While it might be tempting to tackle a blower motor replacement yourself, it's typically a job best left to the professionals. HVAC systems are complex, and a pro can ensure the repair is done safely and correctly.
Because HVAC systems are intricate, you need to be careful to make sure you're diagnosing the problem properly before moving forward with replacing the blower. Keep in mind that there are multiple points of possible failure, ranging from the motor to the circuitry.
If you're unsure, call an HVAC professional near you for assistance. In the long run, you'll save time and money by having it done right the first time.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Your blower motor should last between 10 and 20 years, matching the lifespan of your furnace or AC unit. To keep your system running smoothly for years to come, consider scheduling regular maintenance with a trusted HVAC professional.
If you notice any red flags, call a pro right away. These might include strange sounds, the system not working intermittently, or strange smells.
Testing a furnace blower motor involves several steps and specialized equipment, so it's often best to have a professional handle it. They can accurately diagnose any issues and recommend the best course of action.
The issue may be with the capacitor rather than the motor. In these cases, note that a new AC capacitor costs about $120 to $400.
Replacing a blower motor takes a local HVAC repair pro two to three hours. The technician will begin by turning off your home's electricity and gas to ensure safety. They will then remove the old motor and any necessary components, install the new motor, and test it to ensure proper operation. The process may take longer if the blower motor is difficult to access or if additional parts need replacement. Labor costs are around $100 to $140 per hour.
If your home isn't getting proper heating or cooling, it may indicate your blower motor is failing. Other signs include unusual noises like grinding or rattling, reduced airflow from the vents, or higher energy bills due to the motor working harder than normal. If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem.