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What Is the Cost of a Furnace Blower Motor? (2024 Guide)
Typical cost range: $70โ$1000
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Your furnaceโs blower motor distributes heated air throughout your home. If the blower motor fails, your house will remain cold while the furnace itself overheats, potentially damaging the whole system. Replacing a blower motor is much cheaper than installing a new furnace: the average cost of a new furnace blower motor typically ranges from $70โ$1,000 before installation. We at the This Old House Reviews Team break down costs, considerations, and money-saving tips for replacing your furnace blower motor.
How Much Does Furnace Blower Motor Replacement Cost?
A residential furnace blower motor can cost anywhere from $70โ$1,000 before installation. With labor, youโll add $200โ$400 to your total project cost. Here are the main factors when it comes to fan motor repair costs.
- Horsepower: The more powerful the motor, the more it will cost.
- Parts: If only certain parts of the motor are broken, you may be able to replace them individually.
- Labor cost: Even if your furnace is still under warranty, youโll have to pay a motor installation cost.
- Brand: Though not a huge variation, some brands are pricier than others.
Cost by Motor Horsepower
Motor strength is measured in horsepower. Most residential furnaces only need a motor of between one-fourth and one-half horsepower, but larger homes may need up to 1 horsepower. In general, the more powerful the motor, the more it costs.
Motor Horsepower | Unit Cost |
---|---|
ยผ |
$70โ$500 |
โ |
$100โ$800 |
ยฝ |
$120โ$1,000 |
ยพ |
$175โ$1,500 |
1 |
$250โ$2,000 |
Cost of Parts
Your blower motor can sometimes be repaired by replacing some of its internal components rather than buying an entirely new one. These components vary widely in cost.
Part | Cost |
---|---|
Bearing |
$20โ$200 |
Belt |
$5โ$150 |
Capacitor |
$10โ$450 |
ECM motor control module |
$220โ$830 |
ECM repair kit |
$20โ$60 |
Housing |
$90โ$300 |
Pulley |
$30โ$250 |
Resistor |
$25โ$55 |
Shaft |
$30โ$300 |
Blower wheel (aka โsquirrel cageโ) |
$25โ$300 |
Labor Costs
In addition to buying a new blower motor or furnace parts, youโll also pay an HVAC professional to replace them. HVAC repair contractors typically charge $75โ$150 per hour, and sometimes a flat service fee for the visit. You can expect to pay $200โ$400 in labor for blower motor repair and replacement. The process usually takes two to three hours and involves the technician inspecting the system, diagnosing the problem, removing the old motor, installing the new one, and testing the system.
Cost by Brand
Some furnace parts brands are more high-end than others, so the cost of your blower motor will partly depend on which you choose. Make sure that choosing a brand different than the furnace makerโs wonโt void its warranty.
Brand | Cost |
---|---|
American Standard/Trane |
$175โ$2,000 |
Asana/Goodman |
$75โ$1,200 |
Carrier |
$100โ$1,600 |
Comfortmaker |
$200โ$1,000 |
Lennox |
$150โ$1,600 |
Rheem |
$130โ$1,300 |
York |
$130โ$1,800 |
What Are Additional Furnace Blower Cost Considerations?
The following factors also determine HVAC blower motor replacement costs.
Free quote: Get your quote from an HVAC specialist today
Should You DIY vs. Professional Furnace Blower Motor Replacement?
Homeowners might be tempted to save on installation costs by installing new blower motors themselves, but this usually isnโt a do-it-yourself (DIY) job.
Professional Blower Motor Replacement
Hiring an HVAC company comes with extra labor costs, but HVAC technicians are trained, licensed professionals who have experience with many types of blower motors and HVAC units. Theyโll be able to get the job done efficiently and correctly, and will identify whether the whole motor needs replacing or if updating some of the internal components is a better option. Most HVAC pros also offer warranties or guarantees on their work.
DIY Blower Motor Replacement
If you have substantial knowledge of HVAC systemsโ inner workings, you might be able to change the blower motor yourself. However, there are some risks to this approach. For example, if your blower motor died because of a larger system issue, fixing the motor may not address the root problem. Furnaces and other HVAC systems are expensive, and you donโt want to shorten the lifespan of the system with improper repairs. Focus on other, more DIY-friendly home improvement jobs instead.
How To Save Money on Blower Motor Replacement
Our Conclusion
We recommend hiring a professional furnace repair technician to replace your blower motor. Although youโll pay more in labor, the integrity of your furnace or air conditioner will be protected. We recommend getting quotes from at least three local HVAC companies before making your choice. Be wary of anyone who charges much more or much less than the competition, and check out review sites like Better Business Bureau to get a sense of their reputation.
Free quote: Get your quote from an HVAC specialist today
FAQ About Furnace Blower Motor Replacement
How long does a blower motor last?
Your furnaceโs blower motor should last 10โ20 years, about as long as the furnace itself. Proper maintenance will help ensure that both the blower motor and furnace last as long as possible.
What does a furnace blower motor do?
A forced-air furnace heats air by burning fuel like natural gas or heating oil. The furnaceโs blower motor powers the fan that pushes this heated air through a homeโs ductwork, distributing it throughout the house.
How do I know if my furnace blower is bad?
Here are some signs that your furnace blower motor has failed.
- Airflow from the vents is weak or nonexistent.
- The furnace makes rattling, squealing, or screeching noises.
- The furnace begins to overheat and you smell a burning odor.
- Your system shuts down frequently, leading to higher energy bills.
What is the cost of a furnace blower motor?
A furnace blower motor costs $70โ$2,000. With professional installation, the total cost will likely be $270โ$2,400.ย
Whatโs the difference between an AC and a furnace blower motor?
Blower motors fulfill the same function in both air conditioners and furnaces: moving treated air through ductwork. Both are located indoorsโin an ACโs air handler or a furnaceโs heat exchangerโand both ensure that heating or cooling can happen throughout the house. If your furnace and AC are combined in a packaged unit, the same blower motor will work for both. Air conditioners also have a separate condenser fan motor to cool the evaporator coils off.
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