How much does an AC or furnace blower motor replacement cost?
How much does an AC or furnace blower motor replacement cost?
$200 – $400 cost under warranty
$300 – $900 cost not under warranty
Blower motor replacement cost
A blower motor replacement costs $300 to $900 if not under warranty or $200 to $400 for labor when under warranty. Replacing a large or variable-speed HVAC blower motor costs $600 to $1,500. Furnace or AC blower motor prices are $100 to $500 for the part alone.
| Warranty status | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|
| Blower motor under warranty | $200 – $400 |
| Blower motor not under warranty | $300 – $900 |
Blower motor repair costs $150 to $700, depending on the problem and warranty status.
Furnaces, central AC systems, and heat pumps use the same blower motor type.
The blower motois part of the air handler. A new air handler costs $1,500 to $3,400.
Average HVAC blower motor replacement cost
The following table shows the average cost to replace a furnace blower motor, including installation.
| National average cost | $580 |
| Minimum cost | $200 |
| Maximum cost | $2,400 |
| Average cost range | $300 to $900 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Home AC or furnace blower motor cost
A home AC or furnace blower motor costs $100 to $500 on average for the part alone, depending on the brand, motor size, and speed.
| Horsepower (HP)* | Motor price | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | $70 – $500 | $270 – $900 |
| 1/3 | $100 – $800 | $300 – $1,200 |
| 1/2 | $120 – $1,000 | $320 – $1,400 |
| 3/4 | $150 – $1,500 | $350 – $1,900 |
| 1 | $250 – $2,000 | $450 – $2,400 |
*The most common residential sizes are 1/4 to 1/2.
Blower motor replacement cost by brand
The following table shows the current average pricing for blower motors from popular brands.
| Brand | Motor price | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| American Standard / Trane | $180 – $2,000 | $380 – $2,400 |
| Carrier | $100 – $1,600 | $300 – $2,000 |
| Comfortmaker | $200 – $1,000 | $400 – $1,400 |
| Goodman / Amana | $100 – $1,200 | $300 – $1,600 |
| Lennox | $100 – $1,600 | $300 – $2,000 |
| Rheem | $130 – $1,300 | $330 – $1,700 |
| York | $130 – $1,800 | $330 – $2,200 |
Carrier blower motor replacement cost
Carrier blower motor replacement costs $300 to $2,000 with installation if not under warranty or $100 to $1,600 for the part alone. Carrier furnaces and air handlers come with a 10-year warranty when registered within 90 days of installation and 5 years when not registered.
Trane blower motor replacement cost
Replacing a Trane blower motor costs $380 to $2,400 with installation if not under warranty or $180 to $2,000 for the part alone. Trane's variable-speed motors fall at the higher end of the price range. Trane furnaces and air handlers come with a 10-year warranty.
Rheem blower motor replacement cost
Rheem blower motor replacement costs $330 to $1,700 with installation if not under warranty or $130 to $1,300 for the part alone. Rheem units come with a 5-year or 10-year warranty, depending on the model.
Lennox blower motor replacement cost
Lennox blower motor replacement costs $300 to $2,000 with installation if not under warranty or $100 to $1,600 for the part alone. Lennox furnaces and air handlers come with a 5-year or 10-year warranty on parts, depending on the model.
York blower motor replacement cost
York furnace blower motor replacement costs $330 to $2,200 with installation if not under warranty or $130 to $1,800 for the motor alone. Most York furnaces and air handlers include a 10-year limited warranty on parts.
Central air and heater blower motor price factors
The following factors affect the cost to replace a blower motor:
Motor size and performance – Blower motors with higher horsepower (HP) cost more than lower HP models.
Motor type and speed – Single-speed or multi-speed PSC motors cost less than variable-speed ECM motors, but single-speed motors are less efficient and cost more to run.
Accessibility – Blower motors often have one or several parts in front of them requiring disassembly and reassembly, which adds labor time.
Warranty – The manufacturer's warranty may cover the motor itself, but most warranties do not cover labor costs.
Additional parts required – Other related components like the capacitor or blower wheel may need replacing at the same time.
Blower motor installation cost
Blower motor installation costs $200 to $400 on average for labor alone. HVAC contractors charge $75 to $150 per hour with a minimum trip charge of $75 to $200. Installing a blower motor typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on its accessibility.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Blower motor part | $100 – $500 |
| Labor | $200 – $400 |
| Total installation cost | $300 – $900 |
PSC vs. ECM blower motor replacement cost
Replacing a permanent split capacitor (PSC) blower motor costs $300 to $1,100, including the part and labor. An electronically commutated (ECM) blower motor replacement costs $600 to $1,500.
| Motor type | Average cost to replace |
|---|---|
| Permanent split capacitor (PSC) | $300 – $1,100 |
| Electronically commutated (ECM) | $600 – $1,500 |
A PSC blower motor has 1 to 3 speeds and costs less up front, but the low efficiency translates to higher operating costs. Furnaces older than 5 years typically have a PSC blower motor.
An ECM motor has variable speed and uses up to 75% less electricity than a PSC motor. ECM motors are the new standard mandated by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2019.
Single vs. variable-speed blower motor cost
Blower motor prices are $100 to $1,100 for the part alone, depending on whether the motor is single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed.
| Motor type | Motor unit price | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single-stage | $100 – $500 | $300 – $900 |
| Two-stage | $120 – $700 | $320 – $1,100 |
| Variable speed | $400 – $1,100 | $600 – $1,500 |
Single-stage or single-speed motors operate on "high" or "off". Single-speed motors are the least efficient and the costliest to run.
Two-stage motors have 1 to 3 speeds. Multiple-speed blower motors are quieter than single-speed units because they are not constantly running at full capacity.
Variable-speed blower motors ramp up slowly and run at the lowest possible speed to maintain the home's temperature. Variable-speed motors cost more but reduce energy costs and provide the best airflow control.
Blower motor repair cost
AC blower motor repair costs $150 to $700 on average, depending on the problem and whether the part is under warranty.
Consider the motor's age, efficiency, and frequency of repairs when deciding whether to repair or replace it. Replacing the blower motor is recommended if the repairs cost 50% or more of the replacement cost.
| Part | Average price* |
|---|---|
| Bearing | $20 – $200 |
| Belt | $5 – $25 |
| Blower resistor | $25 – $55 |
| Blower wheel (squirrel cage) | $25 – $300 |
| Capacitor | $10 – $50 |
| ECM motor control module | $220 – $800 |
| ECM repair kit | $20 – $60 |
| Housing | $90 – $300 |
| Pulley | $30 – $250 |
| Shaft | $30 – $300 |
*Not including installation.
Blower wheel replacement cost
HVAC blower wheel replacement costs $100 to $750 including labor or $25 to $300 for the part alone. The blower wheel typically needs replacing if the furnace is still noisy after tightening or replacing the screws. Dirt buildup from lack of routine maintenance is a common cause of blower wheel failure.
Blower capacitor replacement cost
Replacing a furnace blower capacitor costs $100 to $250 with labor or $10 to $50 for the part alone. A humming or buzzing motor often indicates a bad capacitor rather than a broken blower motor.
Blower motor FAQs
What is a blower motor?
The blower motor is the part of the air handler or furnace that blows conditioned air through the ductwork to distribute it throughout the home. The AC and furnace typically use the same blower motor to move cooled or heated air.
How long does it take to replace a blower motor?
Replacing a blower motor takes 2 to 3 hours. The blower motor is typically located behind a control board and other furnace parts. An HVAC technician removes other components as needed, replaces the motor, cleans the fan, tests the new motor, and reassembles the furnace.
How long do blower motors last?
An HVAC blower motor lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on its usage.
How to test if a blower motor is bad
Testing a blower motor requires electrical knowledge and a multi-meter to test the capacitor and electrical windings. Follow these troubleshooting steps before hiring an HVAC technician to test the motor:
Confirm the circuit breaker on the home's electrical panel has not tripped.
Confirm the on/off switch on the furnace's exterior is "on."
Check the air filter for dirt buildup and replace it if needed.
If the system turns on but the blower does not, turn the power off and remove the furnace cover to expose the components.
Clear any dirt and debris on and around the blower motor.
Turn the power back on.
Call an HVAC expert if the blower motor issue persists.
Where is the blower located in the AC unit?
The blower motor is located inside the air handler or furnace. The air handler is the indoor part of an HVAC system.
Finding and hiring an HVAC technician
Before hiring an AC repair company or HVAC technician to replace your blower motor:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience in AC repair and blower motor replacement.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for references.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Confirm whether the part is covered under warranty or not.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are you NATE-certified?
What experience do you have with AC repair and blower motor repair and replacement?
How long will the repair or replacement take?
How long should the new blower motor last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
What is and is not included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?