Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560, on average. Depending on the size and type of motor, most people pay $300 to $900.
The average blower motor replacement cost is $560, but the final price depends on labor fees, as well as the cost of the parts. Some higher-end models feature large or hard-to-reach motors, which could bring your HVAC blower replacement cost to as much as $2,400. An active warranty means you might only pay around $150 to cover labor.
It’s not just hot air to say that your HVAC system can't run without its blower motor. This crucial component sits inside the air handler, sending heated or cooled air through the ducts and out of the vents where you need it most.
The overall cost to replace a blower motor could entail replacing the entire unit or just specific parts. This, along with your labor costs, is what makes up the numbers on your final bill.
Blower motor size is one of the most significant cost factors. Motor size is measured in horsepower amounts ranging from 1/4 to 1 horsepower. Average costs increase with horsepower, while labor costs for each size are roughly the same.
The most common residential motor sizes are one-quarter, one-third, and one-half. Higher horsepower motors have more power to push air and usually operate more quietly. However, a motor that's too large for your home can needlessly increase installation costs and may make your system less efficient.
| Blower Motor Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1/4 horsepower | $100–$550 |
| 1/3 horsepower | $100–$800 |
| 1/2 horsepower | $120–$1,000 |
| 3/4 horsepower | $175–$1,500 |
| 1 horsepower | $250–$2,000 |
Furnace blower motors come in various types, each at a different price point. Single-stage permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors come at a lower upfront cost than two-stage or variable-speed electronically commutated motors (ECM), but they're less efficient to run with higher operating costs.
Installing a new heating and air conditioner blower motor could cost around $150 to $250, with most of that coming from labor costs. HVAC technicians usually go for around $75 to $125 per hour. A blower motor replacement might take anywhere from one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours.
Your HVAC system’s ease of access can affect your labor costs. You'll probably get a minimal baseline fee if it’s somewhere quick and easy, such as a main-floor closet. If your HVAC pro has to tromp through the dark depths of your attic or basement, you might get an extra charge.
You'll find HVAC blower motors categorized by both type and speed. Each type has a different initial price and varying long-term costs, so consider all of your options before you make a purchase.
| Blower Motor Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| PSC | $350–$800 |
| ECM | $600–$1,150 |
| Single-stage | $300–$900 |
| Two stage | $320–$1,100 |
| Variable speed | $600–$1,500 |
As mentioned above, HVAC blower motors can be one of two types: permanent split capacitor (PSC) blower motors or electronic split capacitor blower motors, otherwise known as electronically commutated (ECM) blower motors.
Permanent split capacitor (PSC) furnace blower motors cost $350 to $800. These are typically single-stage motors, meaning they only have a one-speed setting that you can turn on or off. These are standard for many older furnaces as well as economy models. Their simple functionality makes them less expensive up front, but their lower efficiency means you will spend more on utility bills over time.
Electronically commutated furnace blower motors (ECMs) cost $600 to $1,150. They can operate at multiple speeds, so the blower only uses the necessary amount of energy in a given moment. Though they come at a higher upfront cost than PSC motors, they use 75% less energy. This higher efficiency has made them the new standard in the U.S.
Blower motors may also be categorized by speed. Motor speeds include single-stage, two-stage, or variable speed.
A single-stage or single-speed motor costs $300 to $900. This motor type can only operate at one speed, which switches on or off. This simplified functionality makes single-stage motors more inefficient than other types and lowers their initial cost.
A two-stage or multi-speed motor costs $320 to $1,100. These motors can operate at up to three different speeds, meaning they can reduce speed for quieter, more efficient operation once the home is cooled or heated. While more expensive upfront than a single-stage motor, these units save energy.
Variable-speed motors cost $600 to $1,500. They operate at a wide array of speeds for even greater efficiency and energy savings than two-stage motors can provide. Though they come at the highest upfront cost, variable-speed motors offer the best airflow and the quietest operation.
You’ll spend $350 to $1,150 on the motor itself if you DIY, meaning you could save around $800 in labor costs. Can you replace a blower motor without much risk of hurting the system? Sure, but you’re very likely to hit a snag in the process.
For example, imagine investing the time and energy into replacing the blower motor, only to discover that this wasn’t why your system was having problems. Even if you successfully pinpoint a blower motor issue, you might overlook a bigger problem that caused the failure in the first place. If the latter is the case, then R.I.P. to your brand-new motor (it was so young, too).
Such is the plight of the DIYer when it comes to HVAC repairs: diagnosing the repair often requires advanced, professional-level expertise. Sure, you might figure out the how, but you’ll likely have trouble deciphering the why. It’s best not to attempt anything until you’ve consulted an HVAC repair pro near you.
There’s no one-size-fits-all number for HVAC blower motor replacement costs, as many factors are at play. Below are the most common points that might affect your bill.
If your HVAC system is still under warranty, you’re in luck. Most warranties will cover the premature failure of the blower motor, so you’ll just have to cover labor for about $150 to $250.
Part of your HVAC repair cost may include replacing other parts of your blower at the same time as the motor. These extra components and the labor required to replace them will add to your total cost. For example, you may need to replace your HVAC TXV if your AC system isn’t blowing cool air. You can find other blower parts and their costs in the table below.
| Blower Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Belt | $5–$100 |
| Capacitor | $10–$50 |
| Bearing | $20–$175 |
| Wheel | $25–$300 |
| ECM repair kit | $30–$60 |
| Shaft | $40–$250 |
| Pulley | $40–$250 |
| Housing | $95–$300 |
| ECM module | $225–$815 |
| TXV | $100–$700 |
Just like repairing versus replacing your entire furnace, the same dilemma exists for the blower motor. Is your entire motor kaput, or is it just a small part?
Repairing a blower motor costs anywhere from $150 to $1,500, depending on what went wrong. On the other hand, a full replacement might cost upwards of $2,000 once you factor in labor costs. So if your repair estimate is sky-high, you might get a better value with total replacement.
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Trick question: There is no difference between an AC and a furnace blower motor. Whether you have central air and heat or just one of these, the same blower motor carries hot and cold air throughout the ductwork in your home. Certain systems may have separate blower motors for the AC and furnace, but each serves the same function.
HVAC blower motors last 10 to 20 years, depending on how often the air handler runs. Regular maintenance can extend the life span of a furnace blower motor. Your HVAC maintenance cost will include annual cleaning and tune-ups by a technician. Decreased airflow, unusual smells and noises, or higher energy bills are all signs it’s time to replace a blower motor.
If your hot or cold air isn’t making it to your easy chair, this might mean that there is no blower to force it through the vent. Hearing a vibrating motor sound in the walls could also indicate that your furnace blower has gone bad. In any case, the only way to know for sure is by contacting an HVAC repair specialist near you.
It takes two to three hours to replace a blower motor. When you hire an HVAC repair company, they’ll first turn off the home's electricity and gas, remove the old motor and other components, connect and test the function of a new motor, and reassemble the furnace as needed. This could take longer if the technician replaces other parts at the same time.
The ease of HVAC blower motor replacement depends on the type of blower and furnace you have. Some simpler models may be easy to replace and a fairly straightforward task for DIYers. However, a larger, more complicated blower and furnace will require the skilled hand of an HVAC professional. If you have any reservations or get really confused just reading about the process, call in a pro to help.
