furnace motor

Are you facing issues with your furnace blower motor? Or are you looking to replace an old furnace blower motor with a better, more efficient furnace? You’ve come to the perfect cost guide. We’re discussing the issues, the costs, and much more about a furnace blower motor replacement to help you make the right decisions.

When should you think about replacing your furnace motor?

Failure of the bearings is a typical occurrence in a furnace blower motor. Since the motor shaft is supported by bearings, it can spin freely and with little resistance. These bearings can wear down with time, which in turn causes friction to grow and overheating to occur, turning your system into a faulty blower motor. If your bearings are making a grinding or screeching sound, it's a sign that they're about to fail. Motor burnout, which requires a replacement, can occur if these signals are disregarded.

The capacitor supplies the initial charge and keeps the furnace and AC blower motor powered on continuously. The aging process, power surges, or excessive heat can cause capacitors to fail. A humming sound, infrequent operation, or difficulty starting the motor are all signs of a failed capacitor. Because the motor is dependent on the capacitor for efficient performance, replacing the motor may be necessary if the failure of the capacitor has led to overwork or overheating of the motor.

To turn the motor's shaft, a set of internal wire coils called windings must be wound. These windings are susceptible to damage from electrical surges, aging, or overheating. The inability to start the motor, excessive heat, or breaker tripping are all symptoms of broken windings. Since rewinding is generally more expensive than buying a new furnace blower motor, it is usually necessary to replace the motor if the windings are damaged.

HVAC Blower motors that run erratically are often the result of electrical problems, such as faulty wiring. These issues could show up as irregular starting and stopping, not starting at all, or producing too much heat. It is critical to identify and rectify electrical problems promptly to avoid more damage to your HVAC system since they can permanently damage the motor if left unattended.

Many things can cause a blower motor to overheat, such as an obstruction (such as an unclean air filter), a faulty capacitor, or insufficient airflow surrounding the motor. The motor's thermal safety system may momentarily disable it in the event of an overheating, and repeated overheating might cause permanent damage or lead to a failing blower motor. If the motor overheats often, it could mean it's time to get a new one because it's not doing its job anymore.

The motor is considered a locked rotor if it continues to spin even when power is applied to it. The motor's windings or capacitor could have failed, there could have been an obstruction, or the bearings could have seized. The enormous current drawn by a locked rotor poses a serious risk of motor overheating and eventual failure. It is common for the motor to have already taken a serious beating when the rotor locks, necessitating replacement.

A blower motor usually has an expected lifespan in terms of cycles or years of operation. It may begin to exhibit inefficiencies, such as higher energy use or decreased airflow, as it approaches the end of its predicted lifetime. Also, if the motor breaks down often or needs repairs often, it could be time to replace it.

Key Factors Affecting Blower Motor Replacement Cost

The price of blower motors is greatly affected by the technology that powers them. There are a few common types of motors: the most simple and inexpensive are single-speed motors; multi-speed motors are more versatile and cost about the middle of the price range; and variable-speed motors are the most expensive and advanced. At a greater price, variable-speed motors improve energy economy and comfort by accurately controlling airflow by adjusting their speed.

Your home's ductwork's capacity to carry air is proportional to the motor's size, measured in horsepower (HP). Costlier, higher-horsepower motors are required for larger homes with greater airflow requirements. The most common sizes for homes are 1/4 HP to 1 HP, with the price going up as the horsepower goes up.

Brands known for producing high-quality, long-lasting blower motors typically charge a premium for them. A higher-quality brand may cost more upfront, but it may save you money in the long run by reducing the frequency of system replacements.

Regional labor rates and the intricacy of the task determine the cost of installation, which might vary substantially. While some installations may be simple, others may necessitate major adjustments to the furnace's configuration, which would increase the time and money needed for the job.

If the motor is still under warranty, the homeowner can save a lot of money on the repair costs and the HVAC blower motor replacement cost. In certain cases, the guarantee will cover the item completely, so all they have to pay for is labor. Due to the need to pay for both the part and labor, the cost will increase if the part is out of warranty.

The installation cost of your furnace may vary depending on its location in your home. It may take more man-hours and a higher total cost to replace a blower motor that is inconveniently located.

The overall furnace blower motor cost could increase if additional parts like the blower capacitor, blower wheels, or even the air handler have to be changed or repaired while the blower wheel or motor is being replaced. Additionally, when installing, technicians may find other problems that need a quick blower motor repair.

Prices could change depending on the season. Midway through summer or early winter, when HVAC maintenance is most in demand, can result in higher prices.

When considering the cost of blower motor replacement, several factors come into play. These factors are outlined .

Average Furnace Blower Motor Replacement costs

Factors Influencing Costs

Single-Speed Motors: These are the most basic and least expensive motors, typically costing between $300 and $600 for parts and labor. They operate at one speed, which is full power whenever the system is on.

Multi-Speed Motors: Offering more flexibility than single-speed, multi-speed motors can run at varying speeds, leading to better energy efficiency and comfort. The cost for these motors, including installation, ranges from $400 to $900.

Variable-Speed Motors: These are the most advanced and efficient motors, capable of adjusting their speed to precisely control the flow of air through your home. Although they are the most expensive, with prices ranging from $600 to $1,500, they offer significant savings on energy bills and improve overall comfort.

Under Warranty: If the blower motor is still under warranty, the replacement cost primarily involves labor, which can range from $200 to $400, depending on the HVAC company and technician’s rates.

Out of Warranty: Costs significantly increase when the motor is not under warranty. Total expenses, including the motor and labor, generally fall between $300 and $900. For higher-end models or variable-speed units, costs can even reach up to $1,500.

Labor rates vary based on geographical location, the complexity of the installation, and the professional’s experience. On average, HVAC contractors charge between $75 and $150 per hour. The time required to replace a blower motor can range from 2 to 4 hours, making labor a substantial part of the overall cost.

Occasionally, other components like the permanent split capacitor, blower wheels, or even the entire air handler unit may need repairs or replacement at the same time as the motor. These can add anywhere from $50 to $700 to the final bill.

Blower motor replacement costs by Furnace Brands

If you need to replace the blower motor in your furnace, the brand you go with will have a major impact on how much it will cost and how long it will last. Let’s look at this breakdown of what to expect from various brand tiers:

Brands like Goodman and Amana, which are more affordable, are known for dependable performance. In and of itself, the motor component can cost $100 to $400. Homeowners seeking a happy medium between price and dependability should consider these choices.

Respected names in HVAC like Carrier and Rheem, offer products that are both long-lasting and affordable. Motors from these manufacturers cost between $250 and $800. They have a reputation for superior customer service and warranties when compared to budget brands.

Superior, high-tech, and energy-efficient brands include Trane and Lennox, which sit atop the market. You can get new blower motor motors from them for $400 to $1,500. Although these brands tend to have a greater initial cost, they can save you money on energy bills in the long run because of their increased efficiency and decreased furnace blower motor replacement needs.

Additional Considerations

Each of these brands may look like they offer the same blower motor but they offer different types, including single-speed, multi-speed, and variable-speed blower motors, each adding a layer of cost differentiation based on their capabilities:

  • Single-Speed Motors: These are the most basic and least expensive motors, typically costing between $300 and $600 for parts and labor. They operate at one speed, which is full power whenever the system is on.

  • Multi-Speed Motors: Offering more flexibility than single-speed, multi-speed motors can run at varying speeds, leading to better energy efficiency and comfort. The cost for these motors, including installation, ranges from $400 to $900.

  • Variable-Speed Motors: These are the most advanced and efficient motors, capable of adjusting their speed to precisely control the flow of air through your home. Although they are the most expensive, with prices ranging from $600 to $1,500, they offer significant savings on energy bills and improve overall comfort.

Conclusion

The price to replace the blower motor in a furnace can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, size, kind of motor, and whether or not the repair is covered by the warranty. Maintaining a dependable and efficient HVAC system requires regular maintenance and the selection of the correct installation professional.

At Comfort Union, our team of certified, HVAC technician experts specializes in efficiently replacing furnace blower motors to ensure your home maintains optimal comfort and energy efficiency. Trust us to handle your HVAC needs with professionalism and expertise.

Reach out to us to know more or visit our website to browse our services!

Share this: