Blower motor replacement costs an average of $560
Average blower motor replacement costs range between $300 and $900 for most homeowners, with an average of $560.
Factors affecting cost include parts, motor size and type, and labor expenses.
A blower motor can last 10 to 20 years, making advanced planning essential.
Replacing this component enhances overall efficiency, lowers noise, and ensures consistent home comfort.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, most homeowners spend $300 and $900 on blower motor replacement costs, with the national average landing at $560. If the part is still under warranty, you could spend as little as $150 on labor, while large, hard-to-reach motors can push the price to $2,400. Location, motor size, quality, and labor rates all play a part in determining your total.
Because this small but mighty motor pushes every bit of heated or cooled air through your ducts, set aside room in the budget—and bring in a licensed HVAC pro—to keep the air flowing safely and reliably.
Several factors must be considered to get a better idea of the final costs of HVAC repair. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down.
Labor alone runs $150 to $250, depending on what your local HVAC pro charges. HVAC pros charge $75 to $125 per hour, taking one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours to complete the job. This includes inspection, diagnosis, removal, installation, and final testing.
The cost of a blower motor largely depends on its horsepower (HP). For most homes, common sizes are 1/4 HP, 1/3 HP, and 1/2 HP. Here's what you can expect to pay for each size:
Blower Motor Horsepower | Average Cost |
---|---|
1/4 | $100–$550 |
1/3 | $100–$800 |
1/2 | $120–$1,000 |
3/4 | $175–$1,500 |
1 | $250–$2,000 |
Swapping out a tired blower capacitor costs just $10 to $50. A tech will need to test the capacitor and replace it if necessary. Similar to a bad motor, a bad capacitor can slow fan speed.
If you need to replace the blower wheel, also called the squirrel cage, the total cost ranges between $25 and $300. There are many reasons why the wheel can break, including dirt buildup from lack of maintenance, bearings that go out, or age.
Scheduling annual HVAC maintenance is key to preventing issues with your blower wheel. Regular check-ups can help catch problems early and keep your system running efficiently. Note that furnace cleaning or repair costs $130 to $500.
Replacing a furnace blower motor costs $560 on average. Depending on the size and type of motor, most people pay $300 to $900 for parts and labor. The part itself costs $350 to $1,150, depending on the size and type, and labor costs $150 to $250.
Before you price a new blower, be sure you’re not mixing it up with the outdoor condenser-fan motor—that part lives in the AC unit outside and runs $300 to $600 for a swap. Additionally, if you only have an AC and are considering purchasing a furnace, you’ll likely get a new blower during the installation.
Here are some other blower motor parts that might need replacement, along with their costs:
Blower Motor Part | Average Cost |
---|---|
Belt | $5–$100 |
Bearing | $20–$175 |
ECM Repair Kit | $30–$60 |
Shaft | $40–$250 |
Pulley | $40–$250 |
Housing | $95–$300 |
ECM Motor Module | $225–$815 |
TXV | $100–$700 |
Single-speed motors, which cost between $300 and $900, operate at one constant speed. While they're more budget-friendly upfront, they are less efficient in the long run. They're commonly found in standard HVAC systems.
Variable-speed blower motors cost $600 to $1,500 on average. Variable-speed motors reduce power usage and provide more consistent temperatures. They also tend to be quieter.
Permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors cost $350 to $800. A PSC is either on or off with a one-speed setting. It has higher energy usage but is less expensive upfront.
Electronically commutated motors (ECM) cost $600 to $1,150. An ECM decreases energy usage by up to 75% compared to PSC. Multiple speeds mean more efficient air movement and energy usage.
The repair costs will vary depending on whether your unit is still under or out of warranty. Generally speaking, AC units have five- or 10-year warranties, which only cover parts. You'll be on the hook for labor fees.
On average, if your HVAC system is still under warranty, blower motor replacement will cost you $150 to $250 for labor.
You may notice that blower motors are a relatively expensive repair compared to the average cost of AC repair, which is $170 to $650.
If the tech can’t stroll up to the air handler—say it’s buried in the attic or basement—expect a surcharge for the extra time and effort. Easy-access units in a main-floor closet avoid that add-on.
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make replacing your blower motor more wallet-friendly:
Ask your HVAC pro if you have the appropriate size of blower motor for your home, so you’re not overspending on something bigger than what you need.
Get detailed quotes from at least three local HVAC contractors to ensure competitive pricing.
Check the details of your warranty before your replacement job to make sure you’re not paying for parts that are still covered.
A blower-motor swap might look straightforward on YouTube, but an HVAC system hides plenty of moving parts and failure points. Unless you’re comfortable troubleshooting wiring, airflow, and circuitry, let a licensed tech handle the job so the fix sticks the first time.
Ready for cooler (or warmer) air? Connect with a local HVAC pro and get that new blower motor installed right away.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Most blower motors last 10 to 20 years—the same life span as the furnace or AC they serve. Annual tune-ups keep the bearings clean, the capacitor healthy, and your airflow strong. Call an HVAC pro if you hear grinding, smell burning, or notice weak airflow; catching issues early can save you from a pricier mid-season breakdown.
Plan on two to three hours for a standard swap. Your tech will cut power and gas, pull the old motor, slide in the new one, then test every setting before buttoning up the furnace. Tight quarters or extra part replacements can stretch the visit, but most homeowners are back to comfy airflow well before dinnertime.
Signs of a tired blower motor include weak airflow, unexplained spikes in energy bills, and new sounds—think grinding, rattling, or buzzing—coming from the furnace. If hot or cold air isn’t making it to your favorite chair, schedule an HVAC pro right away; catching the issue early can often mean a quick part swap instead of a full-blown system repair.
There is no difference between an AC and a furnace blower motor. Both systems use the same essential motor to circulate heated or cooled air through your home. This unit fulfills the identical role whether it supports central air conditioning or furnace heating. In some configurations, separate units might be installed for redundancy, yet their operating mechanism remains the same and efficiently delivers comfort throughout your home.