Do you need reliable HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation services? Call 918-276-7151 today to reach your trusted professionals at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing!
Throughout the year, home and business owners are at constant war with the weather. They must maintain their HVAC systems to stay cool or warm as temperatures rise and fall. Eventually, the many components within heating and cooling systems break down and fail to perform, leading to a need for swift replacements.
So, how much does it cost to replace an HVAC blower motor? Because several different factors play into the price of a new blower motor, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. We’ll discuss all aspects of HVAC blower motor costs to help home and business owners know what they’ll need to set aside to restore their comfort in the most efficient way.
As Tulsa’s trusted heating contractor, Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing knows the ins and outs of HVAC systems. We can inspect the unit, provide efficient maintenance and repairs, or recommend the ideal replacement part. Contact us today for more information or to schedule professional service.
What Is an HVAC Blower Motor?
HVAC blower motors are vital components of all heating and cooling systems. When a user sets the thermostat to a specific temperature, the thermostat sends a message to the heating or cooling system telling it to turn on. When the unit receives the message, the blower motor kicks in and turns on the fan.
Depending on the building’s HVAC setup, the fan blows hot or cold air out of the system into the building’s air ducts or directly into specific rooms. The heated or cooled air helps lower and raise the temperature to meet comfort preferences.
The Importance of a Properly Functioning HVAC Blower Motor
The HVAC blower motor is indispensable, allowing the system to function as it should. Without the blower motor, the unit’s fan won’t turn on, and the building or room won’t receive the hot or cold air it requires to establish and maintain the desired temperature.
The blower motor is central to the comfort of a home or business. If it functions improperly or not at all, those living and working within the building will immediately notice the difference. Meanwhile, a poor blower motor can cause the HVAC system to work inefficiently, leading to increased monthly energy bills. It may even reduce indoor air quality by decreasing airflow within the building.
Causes of HVAC Blower Motor Failure
There are many causes of HVAC blower motor failure. While home and business owners can avoid some of these by scheduling regular system maintenance, others may arise despite the effort. If they do, professional HVAC technicians can inspect the system and recommend blower motor repair or replacement.
The following are some of the most common causes of HVAC blower motor failure:
- Excess moisture in the unit
- Buildup of dirt or debris in the unit
- Worn-down bearings
- Issues with the fan or blower motor resistor
- Problems with temperature control
- Electrical issues
- Old age and gradual wear and tear
How To Tell It’s Time for an HVAC Blower Motor Replacement
A blower motor that can no longer function properly and needs replacement will typically show signs that it’s on its last legs. Home and business owners should look for the following indications that it’s time for replacement:
- Insufficient or no airflow coming from the building’s vents
- Strange odors and noises coming from the HVAC system
- An overheating HVAC unit
- Increases in monthly utility bills
If you notice any (or all) of these signs, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals to conduct a thorough inspection. The sooner you do so, the better chance you have of facing a repair rather than a replacement.
Factors That Determine HVAC Blower Motor Replacement Cost
Now comes the essential question: How much does replacing an HVAC blower motor cost? Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. Several factors determine HVAC blower motor replacement cost, so it can vary significantly.
Blower Motor Size
Blower motor size is one of the most important factors. The larger the HVAC blower motor, the more expensive it is. Home and business owners should ensure they’re purchasing the correct size to avoid overspending.
We measure blower motor size in terms of horsepower levels. Most residential HVAC systems use one-quarter, one-third, or one-half horsepower blower motors. These typically range from $100 to $1,000.
Expansive homes and commercial buildings, however, may have units that require three-quarter or one-horsepower blower motors. These can cost anywhere from $175 to $2,000.
Blower Motor Type and Speed
Another factor that contributes to price differences is the blower motor type and speed. In terms of upfront cost, single-stage permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors are the cheapest type, while two-stage and variable-speed electronically commutated motors (ECMs) are more expensive. However, PSC motors run less efficiently and have higher operating costs.
Blower Motor Brand
The cost of replacement will also vary based on the blower motor brand. The cheapest brands, however, may not always make the most efficient or reliable blower motors. It’s vital for home and business owners to do their research about each blower motor brand or consult HVAC professionals for a recommendation before purchasing their replacement.
Warranty Coverage
Warranty coverage can significantly reduce the cost of replacing an HVAC blower motor. The entire HVAC system or the blower motor itself may be under warranty. If that’s the case, the home or business owner would typically only pay for the labor to replace the component and not the price of the blower motor itself.
Labor Costs
Accounting for labor costs is just as important as considering the price of the blower motor. Whether or not the building owner has warranty coverage, they’ll need to pay professional HVAC technicians to remove the existing blower motor and install the replacement part.
Blower motor replacement typically comes with hourly charges ranging from $75 to $175, depending on the cost of labor in the area. Replacement can take 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the difficulty. On average, the total cost of labor for blower motor replacement ranges from $112.50 to $525.
Why Hire Professionals for HVAC Blower Motor Replacement?
Because the labor costs for HVAC blower motor replacement are significant, home and business owners may consider doing the job themselves. Unfortunately, this is an unwise decision for several reasons.
First, a DIYer may not have the knowledge or experience to diagnose the HVAC system issue. They might end up unnecessarily replacing the blower motor when a less expensive part was creating the problem. They could pay just as much as the cost of labor for numerous replacement parts.
An untrained DIYer may also damage other components of their HVAC system as they attempt to replace the blower motor. This could result in costly repairs or the need for a new unit entirely. Finally, the home or business owner may void their warranty if they don’t enlist professional service.
Schedule a Blower Motor Inspection Today!
Home and business owners who begin lacking comfort and proper airflow within their buildings often wonder: How much does it cost to replace an HVAC blower motor? Because of the many factors in play, the answer varies significantly. Professional HVAC technicians know how to find the most cost-effective and reliable blower motor for each system. To schedule a blower motor inspection, or to learn more about HVAC problems like a broken AC compressor, contact your trusted HVAC experts at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Call us today at 918-276-7151.
