The replacement cost of a blower motor can range between $300 and $900, with the average cost for homeowners being around $560. The size and type of motor, labour fees, and geographical location influence the final price. While simple replacements with inexpensive motors can cost less, complex tasks involving premium parts or challenging installations may incur higher charges. Hiring a professional technician is recommended for this repair, as it involves several complications that require technical expertise.
In this article, we’ll explain the costs of replacing a blower motor, what factors influence the price, and how to ensure you get the best deal. Whether you’re replacing a furnace or air conditioning system, understanding the replacement costs will help you budget for this essential repair.
Average Blower Motor Replacement Cost
A blower motor replacement typically costs between $300 and $900. The average cost for homeowners is around $560, including parts and labor. However, the exact figure depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, the size and type of motor required and the complexity of the installation.
A general estimate of what to expect or budget for the replacement of the blower motor is:
| Warranty Status | Total Replacement Cost |
| Blower motor under warranty | $200 – $400 |
| Blower motor not under warranty | $300 – $900 |
| Large or variable-speed motor | $600 – $1,500 |
Blower Motor Cost by Size
Blower motors come in different types and sizes, and the size or horsepower (HP) can impact the cost. The following is a breakdown of the average costs by horsepower.
| Horsepower | Average-Cost Range |
| 1/4 HP | $100–$550 |
| 1/3 HP | $100–$800 |
| 1/2 HP | $120–$1,000 |
| 3/4 HP | $175–$1,500 |
| 1 HP | $250–$2,000 |
Blower Motor Replacement by State
The cost of blower motor replacement will vary depending on your locality. Labor rates and local market conditions generally determine the dynamics of this price. Below is a table showing the average costs of blower motor replacement in various states.
| State | Average Total Cost (in $) | Cost Range (in $) |
| California | $750 – $2,200 | $300 – $2,400 |
| Texas | $600 – $1,800 | $250 – $2,000 |
| Florida | $500 – $1,700 | $200 – $2,000 |
| New York | $700 – $2,000 | $300 – $2,400 |
| Illinois | $550 – $1,800 | $250 – $2,000 |
| Ohio | $400 – $1,500 | $300 – $1,900 |
| Washington | $650 – $2,000 | $300 – $2,400 |
The replacement cost of a blower motor is fairly higher in states with a high cost of living such as California and New York. On the contrary, states where living costs are lower such as Ohio and Texas will tend to quote lower prices.
Labor Costs for Blower Motor Replacement
Labor costs for replacing a blower motor range from $200 to $400, depending on the local labor rates and the job’s complexity. The cost increases whenever additional parts are to be replaced with the blower motor, such as the blower wheel or the capacitor.Â
Working on the job ranges from $100 to $750 for a blower wheel, while a capacitor replacement costs $100 to $250 across the board.
Factors That Affect Blower Motor Replacement Cost
The cost of blower motor replacement is affected by several factors. Knowing all these factors helps the homeowner understand the costs well. Below are listed the major factors affecting the total cost:
Many elements would play into the amount you pay to replace a blower motor. Listed below are some of the critical ones
1. Motor Type and Performance
There are three types of blower motors on the market: Single-Speed, Multi-Speed, and Variable-Speed. A variable-speed motor is far more energy-efficient than a single-speed motor, but it has a higher acquisition cost. The kind of motor you choose will impact the final costs.
- Single Speed Motors: Price could range from $100 to $500.
- Variable-speed motors: These will cost another $400-$1,100 just for the motor and around $600 to $1,500 total for the entire replacement.
2. Warranty Status
When the blower motor is still under warranty, you only have to pay labor to change it. Without the warranty, those parts and labor can skyrocket.
3. The Brand of the Motor
Different acronym HVAC frames create significant pricing variances; an example is quoted at a higher price for brands like Trane, Carrier, Rheem, and Lennox than others. To quote, here are the average prices for a few of the more common brands:
| Brand | Motor Price (in $) | Total Replacement Cost (in $) |
| American Standard/Trane | $180 – $2,000 | $380 – $2,400 |
| Carrier | $100 – $1,600 | $300 – $2,000 |
| Goodman/Amana | $100 – $1,200 | $300 – $1,600 |
| Rheem | $130 – $1,300 | $330 – $1,700 |
| Lennox | $100 – $1,600 | $300 – $2,000 |
4. Accessibility and Location
As with most replacement projects, the cost of blower motor replacement will vary according to job complexity. Since the blower motor is hidden in the house layout of HVAC systems, the technician will spend a lot of time performing the job, increasing the labor cost.
5. Additional Parts
In the other cases, some parts, such as the blower wheel, capacitor, or motor control module, must also be replaced. Other parts will increase the number of replacement items in the overall cost.
When Should You Replace a Blower Motor?
If your blower motor has stopped working, you might be debating whether repair is worth it or buying a new one. Here are a few points to consider to help you in making the right decision:Â
- Age of the Motor: If it is more than 10-15 years old, you would be better off with a replacement, since it would cost you more to keep getting repairs done and is more likely to need replacement parts again soon.
- Repair Costs: If the repair costs are higher than 50% of what it would cost to replace, buying a new blower motor is generally a good idea.
- Energy Efficiency: Newer blower motors, especially ECM motors, are much more energy efficient than older models, so they will save money on electricity bills in the long term.
Conclusion
Among the considerable expenses that must be borne, replacing a blower motor is a significant procedure for an operational HVAC system. The approximate cost of replacing a blower motor ranges between $300 and $900, excluding labor and other applicable parts and repairs. The final price, however, may depend on factors like motor size and make, location, and accessibility of the system concerned.
By getting an overview of the various costs and assessing the prices in your area, one can wisely decide about replacing his blower motor. Whether he chooses a standard motor or an energy-efficient variable-speed one, hiring a professional HVAC technician to do the work safely and efficiently is essential.
FAQS
Q1. Is it expensive to replace a blower motor?
Indeed, replacing a blower motor may prove quite costly. The cost varies depending on the size and type of motor and labor, but it ranges from $300 to $900.
Q2. How long do AC blower motors last?
The average life expectancy of an AC blower motor is between 10 and 20 years when used and maintained regularly, considering environmental factors as well.
Q3. Can I run my AC with a blower motor?
Operating your AC with a faulty blower motor will only cause even greater damage, temporarily preventing temperature control within the house.
Q4. Can you drive with a bad blower motor?
When talking about a car blower motor, driving with a bad one is bad because it impairs your ability to use the heater and air conditioning system.
