How Much Does an AC Fan Motor Replacement Cost in 2024?
Typical Range:
$100 - $1,600
Typical Range:
$100 - $1,600
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated August 14, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.AC motor fan replacement costs typically range from $100 to $700.
If your AC is under warranty, you’ll only pay labor costs.
Season, part brand, and diagnostic fees influence repair costs.
Original equipment manufacturer parts are often necessary for warranty.
Annual servicing can catch AC fan issues before they cause further damage.
An AC fan motor replacement costs $450 on average, including labor. The job may cost as little as $100 if your motor is under warranty or up to $700 if not. The condenser fan motor in your air conditioner unit keeps the compressor from overheating by cooling the refrigerant that moves through the system. If not repaired in time, it may cost you up to $1,600 to repair both parts.
Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
---|---|---|
$450 | $700 | $100 |
For the part alone, AC fan motors cost anywhere from $60 to $220, with most AC warranties lasting for five to 10 years. You’ll only pay for labor if your unit is covered, so you can subtract the cost of the motor from your total project budget to figure out how much you’ll pay. However, you might not qualify for a warranty if you don’t regularly service your AC unit.
The cost of a new AC condenser fan motor unit will vary by brand. The table below shows the average price ranges for AC condenser fan motors from several of the HVAC industry’s most popular brands.
Brand | Average Price Range for Unit |
---|---|
Carrier | $100–$800 |
Comfortmaker | $140–$500 |
Goodman | $70–$350 |
Lennox | $150–$700 |
Rheem | $200–$500 |
Trane | $180–$700 |
York | $140–$300 |
Several factors can influence AC motor replacement costs, including the season you need to replace your condenser motor, the original equipment manufacturer, any diagnostic fees, and whether you have a service bundle. Read below to learn more about each significant cost factor.
AC systems are more likely to break down when overworked, which tends to happen during the warmer months. AC repair pros near you will be in high demand during summer, especially if you live in a particularly hot climate. As a result, they tend to raise their labor prices for the season.
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer and refers to parts designed by your AC manufacturer to fit your specific system. Because of this reason, OEM parts tend to cost more than non-OEM parts, but they're often necessary to maintain your system's warranty. When gathering quotes from local HVAC techs, ask whether they use OEM parts in their repairs.
Most pros charge inspection fees to provide a quote before performing repairs. These range from $50 to $150 and may be waived by whichever pro you choose for the job. If you’re getting multiple quotes, you’ll pay a separate fee for each. Choose a pro who has experience replacing condenser fan motors and provides customer referrals and an upfront written estimate.
Some HVAC companies offer discounts if you bundle your AC maintenance with other services, such as a local dryer vent cleaning service. You can take preventive measures against condenser fan motor replacement by having a tech perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system.
In addition to your condenser fan motor, you may need to have other parts of your AC system repaired or replaced, depending on the problems you’re experiencing.
The cost to replace an HVAC blower motor is around $450 for most homeowners, but prices could range from $150 to $2,000. The blower motor serves both your AC and your furnace. This type of HVAC fan blows air over the heating and evaporator coils.
The cost to replace an AC compressor is usually $1,200 but could cost up to $2,800. It’s important to fix your condenser motor immediately at first signs of any issues because it can otherwise damage your compressor. Since compressors are much more expensive to replace, it pays to get your condenser fan taken care of.
If your HVAC inspector finds extensive damage, or if you have an old unit and it’s time for an upgrade, compare the cost of installing a new AC unit to see if it makes more sense to conduct repairs, replace a part, or replace the entire system.
AC fan motor replacement typically requires professional tools and expertise, but there are steps homeowners can take to make the process more budget-friendly:
Prepare your space in advance so your HVAC repair expert can easily access the unit.
Compare quotes from different local pros and ask about what’s included.
Have your warranty information on hand and understand what’s covered under your policy.
If possible, consider getting repairs done in the off-season (labor costs are typically lower outside peak hot months).
If you suspect a broken AC fan motor, avoid using the unit so it doesn’t cause additional problems.
You can also reduce your AC repair costs by practicing good AC maintenance, including regular servicing and allowing the unit to cool down between uses.
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.
A condenser fan motor is the part of your air conditioner that keeps the compressor from overheating. It pulls heat from the unit to cool the superheated refrigerant that moves through the condenser coils of your AC. This helps the unit blow cool air and keeps the entire system running smoothly.
The most common causes of AC fan motor failure include loss of lubricant in the system due to overheating and a rusted or leaking run capacitor. Poor lubrication can also cause failure in the belt drive, which may impact the AC fan motor. Weather and electrical components can also affect your AC. For example, a storm could send water into your motor windings and damage the internal components.
Air conditioner fan motors last about 12 years on average, though they can last longer if maintained well. This includes keeping them clean and cooled as needed with annual air conditioner checkups. The average AC maintenance cost is $75 to $200.
A broken AC fan motor may need replacement because this part usually can’t be repaired. Several things indicate it’s time to replace your AC fan motor, including buzzing noises, a constantly running fan, unusually high energy bills, or an aging system. If you notice these signs, call an HVAC pro for help before the faulty motor starts to strain other parts of the AC system.