Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system (HVAC) lets you control the temperature in your home with effective heating and cooling. There are a lot of different components within your system, but the blower motor is one of the most important.
Your HVAC blower motor is what powers the fan, which allows air to circulate in your home. It’s connected to your thermostat, and it’s the internal component that gets your home to the desired temperature.
Without an HVAC blower motor, your air conditioning becomes useless, which is the last thing you want during the summer months. In most cases, you’ll need to replace the blower motor, and in this guide, we’ll help explain the blower motor replacement cost and what you need to consider when replacing it.
When To Replace Your HVAC Motor Blower
It’s important that you know when your HVAC motor blower needs to be replaced. If you let your HVAC run without a functional motor blower, it won’t achieve the desired effect, and it can even cause damage to other components. Here are the key things to look out for:
Weak Airflow From The Vents
If you notice that there’s only weak airflow coming through your vents, then it could mean there’s an issue with the motor blower. It means that your motor blower is struggling to blow the air through your ducts and isn’t operating at full capacity. This could be caused by a blockage or some built-up dirt, but it could also just be a sign that your blower motor is nearing the end of its life.
No Airflow At All
If there’s no airflow at all, then there’s an issue with the blower motor that’s developed to the point where it isn’t working at all. While a lack of airflow can be caused by a dodgy thermostat or a problem with the fan itself, it’s likely a problem with the blower motor, and it will need to be replaced.
Unusually High Energy Bills
A spike in your energy bills is usually an indication that an internal HVAC component is broken. Your whole system will be straining and working harder to compensate, which in turn leads to a rise in energy bills. You should check your blower motor and see if it needs to be replaced. This is also an opportunity to replace it with a more modern and efficient component that uses less energy.
Strange Sounds
If your blower motor is broken, it can start to make strange noises. This could be because it’s catching due to lack of lubricant or because the motor belt is damaged. Any kind of different noise from your HVAC is a sign that something is wrong, but your blower motor is the likely culprit.
Overheating
If you notice your HVAC system is overheating, then it could mean that your blower motor is struggling to work properly. This could be caused by a build-up of dirt, or just that it’s old and worn out, so it can’t cool properly. An overheating system can be a hazard in your home and will likely cause the whole unit to shut down. Replacing the blower motor should hopefully resolve the problem.
What Affects The Price Of HVAC Blower Motor Replacement?
There’s no set price for HVAC blower motors, and the price you pay is impacted by a few key factors:
Motor Performance
There are two main types of blower motor, single-speed or variable speed. A single-speed motor will only run at one speed, and a variable speed will allow you to increase or decrease the speed of the fan. This usually links up to your thermostat controls and what your HVAC functionality is. A variable-speed motor will cost more than a single-speed.
Brand Name/OEM Vs. Universal Part
A universal part is a component that’s designed to fit in many different machines. These usually work in a large variety of HVAC systems and are more affordable. Brand name or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are usually specific to one type of HVAC model or type. They are usually more expensive but come with a warranty to protect your investment.
Motor Type
There are two types of motor, permanent split capacitor (PSC) or electronically commutated motor (ECM). PSC motors are cheaper, but ECM motors are quieter and more efficient. You’ll pay more for an ECM motor, but it’s generally cheaper in the long run.
Motor Size
The larger your furnace or air conditioner, the more air you’ll need to shift through the system. Blower motor size is measured in horsepower (hp), going all the way up to about 1HP. The larger the blower motor you need, the more it will cost.
Warranty Coverage
If your blower motor is protected by a warranty, then you won’t need to pay for the actual unit. You will still need to pay for labor costs, but this does reduce the total cost. Make sure you check the individual terms and conditions for each brand and check exactly what’s covered. Most major brands should cover your blower motor for 10-15 years.
DIY Vs. Pro Installation
DIY installation is always cheaper, but this isn’t the easiest piece of work to undertake yourself. There are several safety features around gas and electricity where you really are better off getting a professional involved. It will cost more, but it will be safer.
Accessibility
The location of your blower will have an impact on the price. If it’s located in a hard-to-reach area, particularly a basement or attic, then you’ll probably pay more for labor. Most contractors will charge an hourly rate of between $25 and $75 depending on quality and experience, so if they take longer to do the work because of location, it will cost you more.
How Much Does Blower Motor Replacement Cost? (By Size)
So how much does a blower motor cost? Well, of all the factors we’ve discussed, size is what influences the price the most. Remember that the size of the blower motor you need will be determined by the size of your furnace or AC, and the cost shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
The installation costs vary depending on the time taken to do the job and the complexity. This means that for some different blower motors, the installation costs remain roughly the same, but larger motors are a bit more complicated and tend to be found in larger HVAC systems, so they are a little more expensive.
The table below shows the average price for each sized blower motor:
| Blower Motor Size | Average Price | Average Installation Cost |
| ¼ Horsepower | $150-$550 | $100-$200 |
| ⅓ Horsepower | $175-$800 | $150-$300 |
| ½ Horsepower | $200-$1000 | $150-$350 |
| ¾ Horsepower | $225-$1250 | $200-$400 |
| 1 horsepower | $250-$1500 | $200-$500 |
Cost To Replace The HVAC Blower Motor (By Type)
There are several different types of blower motor, and the type you choose will depend on the HVAC system you have. A single-speed motor offers only one speed, so your fan is either on or off. Multi-speed has a variety of settings to choose from, and variable speed gives you the most control over the fan. By customizing the fan’s speed, you can vary the amount of heat or cold you get in your home and better control your environment.
Your single-speed motors are more basic and therefore cheaper to buy. The multi-speed and variable speed are both more expensive, but variable blower motors are the most costly. The installation is reasonably similar for each; there are just a few more electrical connections for the multi-speed and variable speed, which may take an HVAC professional more time.
| Blower Motor Type | Price | Average Installation Cost |
| Single-Speed Motor | $150-$400 | $150-$300 |
| Multi-Speed Motor | $250-$600 | $250-$500 |
| Variable-Speed Motor | $400-$1000 | $300-$600 |
HVAC Blower Motor Cost (By Brand)
Blower motors are made by various brands and manufacturers. The key components remain the same, but there are some nuances in design that set them apart. Certain brands are more expensive than others, and this usually comes down to power and durability. Reputable brands create blower motors that last longer, so even though the cost may be daunting, you have to consider it an investment as you won’t need to replace it as often.
We’ve compiled a list of the cost of blower motors from some well-known brands. The installation costs are roughly similar because the work involved is mostly the same. Some brands may cost more because of the complicated nature of the component, and we’ve indicated this in the table below.
| HVAC Brand | Average Blower Motor Cost (Including Installation) |
| Goodman | $100-$800 |
| Trane | $175-$1500 |
| Carrier | $150-$1600 |
| Rheem | $250-$900 |
| Lennox | $150-$1500 |
| York | $150-$1800 |
| Baldor | $200-$1000 |
DIY Vs Hiring an HVAC Pro
It’s always tempting to undertake DIY work and save yourself the money. It’s even more tempting when you see the price set out in front of you like in this article. This isn’t particularly dangerous work, but there are some parts of replacing an HVAC blower motor that are challenging. If you’re very experienced, you could attempt this yourself, but hiring a professional offers a range of benefits.
A professional can help you determine if you actually need to replace the blower motor. As part of the fee, they will typically examine your HVAC system and determine what needs to be done to fix it. This makes life a lot easier if you aren’t really sure what you’re looking for. They can handle anything with gas or electricity safely and ensure the work is undertaken without any risk. Some professionals also offer a guarantee like a warranty which gives you some reassurance for the future.
Hiring an HVAC professional will ultimately save you a lot of time and headache. They can save you money in the long run by doing the job right the first time and prevent any expensive repair work in the future. To keep your costs down, you should always get a few quotes to compare before committing to one contractor.
HVAC Blower Parts Cost
Your HVAC blower is made up of several different components, and sometimes there’s only an issue with an individual part. You may be able to replace a specific component, so we’ve given a rough breakdown to help you understand what it could cost you.
| Blower Parts | Price Range |
| Belt | $5-$100 |
| Bearing | $20-$150 |
| ECM Repair Kit | $40-$60 |
| Shaft | $50-$200 |
| Blower Wheel | $50-$275 |
| Pulley | $50-$250 |
| Housing | $100-$300 |
| Capacitor | $150-$450 |
| ECM Motor Module | $250-$850 |
People Also Ask (FAQ)
What is the average life expectancy of an HVAC blower motor?
The industry standard for HVAC blower motors is 20 years, but this depends on how much you’re using the system.
What is the difference between a furnace and AC blower motor?
There’s no real difference between these two types of blower motors. One is used to power a fan to dissipate heat into your home, and the other is used to turn a fan that blows cold air into your home.
What causes the AC blower to stop working?
The most common cause of a broken AC blower is a dead capacitor. Capacitors are used to send signals to your motor, and if it dies, your blower will stop. Your blower motor can just stop working over time if it’s really old, and dirt can also have a detrimental effect on your blower.
How do you test a bad HVAC blower motor?
The easiest way to spot a broken HVAC blower motor is to look for the 5 signs we explained earlier in this article. However, you can test if power is flowing through your blower motor using a multimeter. This will tell you have many Ohms are passing through it and whether power is reaching the motor.
Conclusion
Your blower motor is one of the most important components within your HVAC system, and without it, you won’t be able to heat or cool your home effectively. Replacing your blower motor doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does pay to get a professional involved because it’s not easy work. Hopefully this guide has helped explain how much it would cost to replace your HVAC blower motor and where you might be able to save some money.
