How Much Does an HVAC Blower Motor Replacement Cost?
Typical Range:
$250 - $900
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated April 16, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
Blower motor replacement requires HVAC expertise to diagnose issues, making professional help advisable.
The average cost for a furnace blower motor replacement is around $250 to $910.
The cost of blower motor replacement is influenced by labor costs, blower motor prices, the type and brand of the unit, and site accessibility.
Replacing a blower motor improves efficiency, provides consistent temperatures, reduces power usage, and lowers noise.
Highlights were summarized from this existing cost guide text using automation technology and were thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A blower motor replacement costs $580 on average, with a typical range of $250 to $900. With a warranty, you might pay as little as $150 for labor alone. For high-end models or complex jobs, like those with large motors or access issues, you might pay as much as $2,000.
Average Blower Motor Replacement Costs
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $580 | $900 | $250 |
Furnace Blower Motor Replacement Cost
A furnace blower motor replacement costs around $250 to $910 for parts and labor. The part costs an average of $100 to $500, and labor costs about $150 to $410.
The part alone can cost as high as $2,000, depending on the brand and size of the unit, with an HVAC technician taking approximately two to three hours to do the job.
Find a Local Pro to Replace Your AC Blower Motor
Home AC Blower Motor Replacement Cost
An AC unit and a furnace both use the same blower assembly, so it’ll be one fee to get it fixed if you have both an AC and a furnace. If not, the cost of an AC blower motor replacement is the same as a furnace blower motor cost: approximately $250 to $910 for parts and labor.
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.
Blower Motor Replacement Cost Breakdown
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.
Labor
Labor to install a blower motor costs around $150 to $410. Most of that cost comes from trip fees and labor. Furnace repairs cost at least $100 to $200 but usually include the first hour or two of work.
An HVAC technician runs around $75 to $140 per hour, typically taking two to three hours to complete the job. This includes inspection, diagnosis, removal, installation, and final testing.
Blower Motor Prices
The blower motor part price varies according to its horsepower. Here are some general costs for the part, keeping in mind that horsepowers of 1/4, 1/3, and 1/2 are the most common residential sizes.
| Blower Motor Horsepower | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | $100 – $550 |
| 1/3 | $100 – $800 |
| 1/2 | $120 – $1,000 |
| 3/4 | $180 – $1,500 |
| 1 | $250 – $2,000 |
Blower Capacitor Replacement
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’re not certain that the problem is with the blower wheel, consult a pro before moving forward with a DIY repair.
Blower Wheel Replacement
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.
Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is the best way to prevent a blower wheel replacement. The recommended time frame is once per year. Note that furnace cleaning or repair costs about $130 to $490.
Other Blower Parts
Below is a list of other blower motor parts that may need to be replaced, with their associated price range for the unit.
| Blower Motor Part | Average Unit Price Range |
|---|---|
| Belt | $5 – $100 |
| Bearing | $20 – $150 |
| ECM Repair Kit | $40 – $60 |
| Shaft | $50 – $200 |
| Pulley | $50 – $250 |
| Housing | $100 – $300 |
| ECM Motor Module | $230 – $830 |
Compare Quotes to Repair Your Furnace Blower
Blower Motor Replacement Cost Factors
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- vs. Variable-Speed Blower Motor Cost
Single-speed motors cost $400 to $500 on average. Running at one rate, they’re less efficient but much less costly. These usually come stock in low-efficiency models.
On the other hand, variable-speed motors cost 50% more than single-speed motors. Variable-speed motors cost $600 to $800 on average. All high-efficiency models have variable speed motors. The varying speeds reduce power usage and provide more consistent temperatures. They also tend to be quieter.
PSC vs. ECM Motor
A permanent split capacitor (PSC) is either on or off with a one-speed setting. It has higher energy usage but is less expensive upfront. Older PSC motors are less costly and come standard in older and current economic models for furnaces and ACs.
An electronically commutated motor (ECM) decreases energy usage by up to 75% compared to PSC. Multiple speeds mean more efficient air movement and energy usage.
Warranty Coverage
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, HVAC blower motor replacement costs $150 to $400 if your unit is still under a typical warranty. Or, it'll cost about $300 to $900 if your unit is no longer under contract.
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.
Site Accessibility
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.
Blower Motor Price by Brand
The table below lists some common blower motor brands on the market today and their associated costs.
| Blower Motor Brand | Average Unit Price Range |
|---|---|
| Carrier | $100 – $1,600 |
| Goodman | $75 – $800 |
| Lennox | $150 – $1,500 |
| Trane | $180 – $1,500 |
| Rheem | $250 – $900 |
| York | $150 – $1,800 |
DIY Blower Motor Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
A blower motor replacement job isn't for the average DIY-er. However, if you have experience working on HVAC systems, it may be possible for you to get it done on your own. In this case, your cost will be for the part only, which is $100 to $500 on average.
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. If you've never worked on an HVAC system, it's a good idea to call a pro. In the long run, you'll save time and money by having it done right the first time.
Still Have Questions About Blower Motors?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a furnace blower last?
A blower motor typically lasts the life span of your furnace or AC unit, which is 10 to 20 years. The best way to ensure your system lasts as long as possible is to schedule routine maintenance with a trusted HVAC company.
If you ever notice any red flags, call a pro right away. These might include strange sounds, the system not working randomly, or strange smells.
How do you test a furnace blower motor?
The best way to test a furnace blower motor is to have a professional do it. Otherwise, you'll need to run through several steps to diagnose the issue. This can include measures to rule out other possible problems like the unit not getting enough power or cleaning off dirt buildup to fix the motor.
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.
Where is the AC blower motor?
The AC blower motor is located in the air handler. This might be in different areas of your home, although most commonly, it’s in the basement, attic, or closet. It looks like a gas furnace, and its job is to deliver cold or hot air throughout your house.
In addition to the blower motor, the air handler houses the coil, air supply and return plenum connections, and filter. An air handler unit costs significantly more than just the blower motor, ranging from $700 to $5,600.
What is a blower motor?
The blower motor is attached to a wheel fan that blows air. In the summer, it blows air through your evaporator coils and into the ducts. In the winter, it circulates air from the combustion chamber to the heat exchanger, and then the hot air is blown through the ducts.
Its functions are directly connected to the thermostat, and it’s either single-speed or variable-speed. Variable motors are considered to be more energy-efficient.
How much does a blower motor repair cost?
Repairing a blower motor costs anywhere from $250 to $900, including parts and labor. The actual price depends on the brand and size of your HVAC unit. For example, if your unit is 1/4 horsepower, the part can cost about $100 to $500. But if it's 1 horsepower, which is stronger, you could be looking at about $250 to $2,000 before labor fees.
How long does it take to replace a blower motor?
You can expect a local HVAC repair pro to take about two to three hours to complete the typical blower motor replacement project. The time it takes for the repair can vary depending on the location of the blower motor on the unit, the location of the air handler in your home, and the complexity of the unit you have. Additionally, labor costs around $100 to $140 per hour.
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