Don’t blow a gasket over this common furnace dilemma
It’s a cold, snowy winter day, so you tuck into your favorite seat—you know, the one by the heater vent—and grab a book. But after a while, you find yourself with a chill and realize there’s no warm air coming from the vent.
When the HVAC inspector comes, you learn there’s an issue with the blower motor. So now it’s time to decide: Should you replace the blower motor or buy a new furnace? As it turns out, there are several things to consider when deciding whether to repair the part or replace the entire system.
A blower motor is an essential furnace part responsible for pushing the heated air through your air ducts and vents. The heat is created through electricity or combustion, depending on the furnace type, and a heat exchanger. Then, the blower motor powers up the furnace’s blower fan, which moves the heated air throughout the house. When the blower motor is worn out or damaged, you’ll likely notice it right away.
Blower motors in a new furnace can last as long as the furnace itself: 15 to 20 years on average. That’s why the furnace’s overall condition is a big factor in whether to replace the blower motor or not.
Not sure whether to replace the blower motor or your entire furnace? Let’s look at the main arguments for each side.
| Blower Motor Replacement | Furnace Replacement |
|---|---|
| If the furnace is still under warranty | If the furnace is around 15 years old |
| If you’re on a tight budget | If you plan to sell your home in the near future |
| If the furnace is only a few years old | If you’re already making regular repairs to your furnace or HVAC system |
There are three common issues that cause blower motor problems, which may lead to poor airflow, a less efficient furnace system, higher energy bills, more dust, and strange sounds or odors. If you notice any of these signs, call a furnace repair pro to come troubleshoot your system.
Excess moisture is a problem for any furnace part, particularly the blower motor. If the blower motor is exposed to too much moisture, such as condensation or humidity, it can cause shorts and other electrical problems. Excess moisture can come from leaks or clogged ducts, or it may come from the condensate drain line found in combined heating and cooling systems.
When the blower motor stops working properly, it’s often because of overheating. A dirty blower motor or furnace filter can lead to overheating. Also, if you are running a furnace on a voltage other than the manufacturer’s recommendations, you may end up with an overheated blower motor.
If the blower motor or the fan is clogged with dust and debris, they can’t properly direct the airflow. Keeping up with furnace maintenance—including annual cleanings and inspections—is essential to minimize clogging and keep your blower motor functioning as intended.
One major consideration when deciding whether to replace the blower motor or buy a new furnace is your budget. Ultimately, it will cost less upfront to replace the blower motor compared to the cost of buying a whole new furnace. But there are some instances where replacing the furnace makes more sense and could even save you money in the long term.
A furnace blower motor replacement costs an average of $560. If the furnace is still under warranty, you may only pay about $150 for the cost of labor to replace this part. Larger blower motors or blower motors for furnaces that are difficult to access, such as furnaces in a crawlspace or attic furnaces, may cost over $2,400.
A new furnace costs between $2,800 and $6,890 on average. Electric furnaces tend to be the least expensive upfront, ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 for parts and labor, while oil furnaces are the most expensive at $6,750 to $10,000. Gas furnaces are most common and cost an average of $3,800 to $10,000.
The size of your home will also determine what size furnace you need, and the larger the furnace, the more you’ll spend. A furnace for a 1,000-square-foot home will cost about $1,200 to $2,000, but for homes in the 2,500- to 3,000-square-foot range, expect to spend $3,000 to $6,000.
If you’re trying to decide whether to replace the blower motor or buy a new furnace, there are a few key instances when buying a new blower motor makes more sense. If you need to stick to a tight budget or you have a newer furnace that is still within its warranty, replacing the blower motor is likely the best decision.
When you crunch the numbers, it’s clear: A new blower motor costs less than a new furnace. If you need to stick to a strict budget, it may make the most sense to simply replace one part rather than the whole furnace. However, keep in mind that it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire furnace if it’s nearing 15 years old. Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years in total, so you’ll likely have to replace an old furnace sooner or later anyway.
Modern furnaces usually include a limited five-year warranty for parts, and homeowners may be able to find furnaces with a more comprehensive, 10-year warranty as well. If your furnace is still within the warranty, you may be eligible to replace the blower motor for just the cost of labor.
Replacing an individual part is often a less expensive fix upfront, but it isn’t always the best solution. Consider the following scenarios when determining whether you want to replace the blower motor or buy a whole new furnace.
Age is a top factor in deciding to replace the furnace when a part wears out. A furnace lasts about 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is only a few years old, it’s a better move to simply replace the blower motor. But if the furnace is older, you could need to replace the whole thing in the next couple of years anyway—you might as well pay the higher upfront cost rather than spend money on a blower motor only to replace the whole system in the near future.
If you plan to sell your home within the next few years, installing a new furnace can help boost your home’s value. In fact, a new HVAC system can provide about a 30% return on investment (ROI) and may increase your home’s value by about 5% to 7%. This improved home value can help offset the higher costs of replacing the entire furnace compared to the cost of replacing just one part.
If your annual furnace inspections are always accompanied by extensive repairs, your furnace is probably better off being replaced. If you’re spending more than half of what it would cost you to replace the furnace on repairs, you’re better off investing in a whole new furnace.
Ultimately, you need to weigh several different factors when deciding whether to replace a single part or install a whole new furnace system. Budget and warranty may determine that a new blower motor is a better choice for you, but older furnaces or furnaces in poor condition are often better off with a full replacement. If you’re having a hard time deciding what to do, hire a local furnace repair company to inspect the system and provide expert advice on next steps.
