How Much Does It Cost to Replace an HVAC Fan Motor?
Do you need to replace an HVAC fan motor? Then check out this ultimate breakdown of the costs associated with this type of repair.
As winter approaches, more locales will begin to notice uncomfortable temperatures outside. As the weather outside grows colder, many people will retreat indoors to the warmth of their homes. You probably plan on joining those people inside.
The question is, what will you do if your HVAC system won’t blow warm air? Sometimes, your HVAC fan won’t perform as well as it should.
As colder temperatures begin to set in, it may be a good time to see whether you need a new HVAC fan motor. However, you may ask, “How much to replace an HVAC fan motor?”
The cost of a job is always an understandable concern. So, to help put your fears to rest, we’ve written this guide to HVAC repair costs. Read on to find the answers you need!
When Do You Need an HVAC Fan Motor Replacement?
First, let’s discuss whether there are any signs your motor may need replacing. Typically, you can get an idea of this need from sounds the system makes.
So, ask yourself if you notice any strange sounds coming from your HVAC unit. If there are issues with the fan, you’ll probably hear one of two sounds coming from your outdoor unit.
First, there’s the rattling sound. If you hear a rattle from your outdoor unit, this indicates that the fan motor or its associated components have come loose.
However, rattling and banging sounds could also indicate that debris has fallen into the system. If you have trees near your unit, the likelihood of debris entering your system becomes much higher.
The next sound you may hear is a screeching noise. This metal-scraping-metal sound typically indicates failing bearings.
If you hear this sound, you should call an inspector immediately. Likewise, make sure you cut off your AC system. Allowing it to continue running could make the problem even worse.
If an inspector determines you need a replacement, then it’s time to reckon with the cost. Throughout the rest of the article, we’ll explore the specific fees and prices that affect the final figure.
AC Blower Motor Replacement Cost
When you need a replacement blower motor, the average cost could run between $200 and $800. If you use a higher-end brand, you could pay as much as $2,000.
When you look for a blower motor, bear a few things in mind. First, your air conditioner unit has a condenser fan as well as a blower motor. Don’t mix these two items up in your search.
Several places experience extremely cold temperatures in winter. If you live in such a region, you may consider purchasing a furnace. If you do, that furnace will include a new blower.
Furnaces and HVAC systems share a blower motor with one another. If you receive a new blower with your furnace, you won’t need to purchase an additional one.
Likewise, keep in mind that electric and heat pumps alike use an air handler blower motor to push air through your ducts. Either of these could need a replacement.
However, not all HVAC systems utilize air handlers and ducts. Radiated heat and mini-split systems require neither of these, helping you avoid this issue entirely.
Examining the Cost of Labor
Typically, installation labor costs run between $100 and $300. Most of this stems from the cost of commute and on-site labor.
A furnace repair service call often comes between $100 and $200. An HVAC technician runs between $75 and $125 for each hour on the job. Fortunately, most replacement jobs take less than three hours to complete.
An installation may take between one to two-and-a-half hours to complete. This process begins with an inspection of the unit and an official diagnosis of the problem. From there, the worker removes the current motor and installs the new one.
At the end of the process, the worker will run a final test. If all goes well, your new motor will work better than before.
Replacing Other Parts
Sometimes, a blower motor may suffer from specific problems that you can repair. These HVAC repair jobs may not cost as much as a total replacement.
For example, a technician may discover that the problem with your unit stems from a blower capacitor. Replacing these parts usually costs between $100 and $500. The part itself often costs less than $50.
The additional fees usually derive from how long it takes to find, test, and replace the part. If there is a problem with the capacitor, it’s worth dealing with right away. A faulty capacitor can result in slower fan speeds, making your system run less efficiently.
Other parts of the system could also cause trouble. Fortunately, individual parts often cost a relatively small amount to replace. You can get an outline of some of these figures here:
- Belt ($5-$100)
- Bearing ($20-$150)
- ECM Repair Kit ($40-$60)
- Housing ($100-$300)
- Blower Wheel ($50-$275)
Single vs. Variable Speed Blower Motor
When examining HVAC blower motors, there are two principal types. The first is a single-speed blower, while the second has a variable speed.
What’s the difference? A variable-speed blower can adjust its blowing speed depending on various factors. They also tend to operate more quietly than a single-speed motor blower.
In contrast, a single-speed model can only push air at one speed. As you may imagine, a single-speed motor is cheaper to replace than variable-speed motors.
A variable-speed motor costs an average of $600-$800 to replace. A single-speed model, however, runs at $400-$500 generally. While they’re not as efficient as their variable-speed counterparts, they are significantly cheaper to repair.
Finding an HVAC Repair Technician
If you’re uncertain about whether your HVAC fan motor can get you through the winter, hire a technician to check out your system. If you’re not sure how to start your search, we’ve got a way to help!
We offer homeowners across the nation a catalog of HVAC repair services that can help you. To get started, request a quote today!
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