The average cost to replace a motorized damper is $350, but it can cost between $250 and $450, depending on the cost of materials and labor.
A motorized damper regulates the flow of air inside your HVAC system, which in turn controls the temperature in your home. If your damper isn't working, you'll need to replace the part. Expect to pay an average of $350 to replace a motorized HVAC damper, with a typical range of $250 to $450. However, you could pay as little as $100 or as much as $600.
With a project like this, the only costs are the price of the part itself and labor. Here’s what that looks like in more detail.
The cost of a motorized HVAC damper ranges from $100 to $200. The price depends on the make and model of the replacement damper you’ll need to purchase. Check the manual for the type of AC unit you purchased to determine which damper you should buy.
“A motorized HVAC damper manages the HVAC’s airflow system,” says Bob Tschudi, Expert Review Board member and Raleigh, NC-based general contractor. “If you compare it to a water dam, no air goes through it when the damper is closed. It’s a great mechanism for getting the air where it needs to be.”
How accessible your HVAC system's damper motor is will affect the cost of its replacement. Labor charges vary from $100 to $250 per hour. The harder it is to access, the longer it will take to replace, which drives up the price. Dampers located in tight spaces or within walls or floors are often classified as hard-to-reach.
In some cases, an electrical issue within the home's wiring can cause problems with damper motors. If the motor is working improperly but checks out okay after testing, there's a good chance that something in the electrical system requires the attention of a qualified local electrician. The cost to hire an electrician ranges between $50 and $100 per hour.
Sometimes the problem may be a simple breaker switch issue, while other times, a shorted or disconnected wire may be the cause. The electrical system within the furnace or air conditioning system may also be to blame.
Working within your HVAC system without a license is often illegal, meaning using the DIY approach to save money on damper motor replacement isn't possible. However, there are tricks to help control costs.
Minimize the amount of time your technician will need to get to the damper by clearing the area of obstructions before they arrive.
Clear areas in the home where the system vents are to allow the technician easy access for any necessary airflow testing.
Use a reputable HVAC or air conditioning repair company near you and check that they offer a work guarantee. While it may cost more up front, quality work can have lasting and money-saving benefits.
You'll only need to pay for the part itself if you decide to do this job on your own, so you could potentially save a few hundred dollars by going this route. However, there are some situations where it’s best to leave this job to a pro. For example, the damper could be difficult to access because of the unit’s location. If you’re not comfortable with this DIY level or are nervous about installing it incorrectly, call on a pro to get the job done right. Contact an HVAC technician near you to get a quote.
“This is one job where you can do it yourself, but when you weigh the cost and how much time it will take, a pro might be a better option,” says Tschudi. “It just depends on how much you value your time.”
Several styles of HVAC dampers exist, some with motors and some without. The various types include butterfly, blade, louvered, guillotine, and more. The names describe their construction style and how air moves through them. Motorized versions work through wiring connected to a control panel within the HVAC system. Manual versions allow an operator to decide which way to send the airflow and make the adjustment by hand.
A damper motor can last up to 15 years, but it can wear out more quickly than that if you run your HVAC unit a lot. So you might expect a longer life in a colder climate than if you live in a warmer climate.
A telltale sign that the damper motor is bad is when you feel airflow even when the damper is closed, or conversely, you feel no airflow despite the damper being open.
There are a few reasons why an HVAC damper may stop working correctly, but the most common issue is obstruction caused by a buildup of dust or other materials. Alternatively, the mechanism may be bent or misaligned.
There should be a lever outside the duct that you can open and close. In the horizontal position, it’s open, and in the vertical position, it’s closed.
