With temperatures often topping 90 degrees here in Georgia, your air conditioner likely sees near-constant use in the summer months. That puts an enormous amount of stress on your entire HVAC system and can exacerbate minor issues, leading to component failure and potentially leaving you without air conditioning.
The fan motor, in particular, is prone to failure. Out of all the components of your AC unit, it sees the most wear and tear. These motors are constantly in motion, pushing cold air throughout your home. Without proper care, the fan motor’s bearings often give under heavy strain.
If you’re dealing with a broken fan motor, you may be wondering how much it will cost to fix.
Written by
Tara Farmer
September 11, 2023
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
AC condenser fan motor replacement costs $200 to $700 on average if not under warranty or $100 to $300 for labor under warranty. Central air conditioner fan motor prices are $100 to $400 for the part alone, depending on the brand, model, and voltage.
AC condenser fan motor replacement cost - chartAC fan motor cost Warranty status Average replacement cost AC fan motor not under warranty $200 – $700 AC fan motor under warranty $100 – $300AC repair services charge $75 to $150 per hour for labor.
Replacing the AC fan motor takes 1 to 2 hours.
The condenser fan motor may be covered under warranty if the AC unit is less than 10 years old.
Condenser fan motors typically require replacing instead of repair.
Replace a faulty condenser fan motor immediately as the compressor may fail, resulting in more costly repairs.
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The following table shows the average cost to replace an AC fan motor that is not under warranty.
Condenser fan motor replacement cost National average cost $450 Minimum cost $100 Maximum cost $1,600 Average cost range $200 to $700* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
AC fan motor prices are $100 to $400 on average for the part alone, depending on the model, voltage, and whether the part is branded or generic. Some high-end branded or electronically commutated (ECM) condenser fan motors cost $400 to $700+.
AC condenser fan motor cost by brand Brand Unit price Total replacement cost Generic $70 – $300 $170 – $600 Carrier / Bryant / Payne / Heil $90 – $700 $190 – $1,000 Coleman / York $120 – $300 $220 – $600 Comfortmaker $140 – $500 $240 – $800 Goodman / Amana $70 – $350 $170 – $650 Lennox $100 – $700 $200 – $1,000 Rheem / Ruud $120 – $500 $220 – $800 Trane / American Standard $130 – $700 $230 – $1,000 AC technician replacing condenser fan motorHVAC fan motor replacement costs $200 to $1,200, depending on the motor type. Air conditioning systems also include a blower motor and a compressor motor.
AC blower motor replacement costs $300 to $900 if not under warranty. The blower motor alone costs $100 to $500, depending on the brand, type, and speed. The blower motor is located inside the furnace or indoor air handler.
Replacing an AC compressor costs $600 to $1200 if under warranty or $1,300 to $2,500 if not under warranty. A bad AC compressor motor typically means the entire compressor must be replaced because the motor is hermetically sealed inside the compressor unit.
Ductless mini-split AC fan motor prices are $270 to $600 with installation or $170 to $300 for the part alone. A ductless mini-split condenser fan is located outside and works like other HVAC system condenser fans.
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Brand vs. generic – Branded condenser fan motors cost more than generic or universal models.
DIY vs. professional – HVAC maintenance costs $75 to $150 per hour. DIY saves on labor costs, but hiring a pro is recommended if the motor is not already identified as the problem. Symptoms of a bad condenser fan motor often mimic problems caused by other AC components.
AC capacitor replacement costs $100 to $250. The run capacitor should be replaced when replacing the condenser fan motor.
Additional AC repairs may be needed at the same time, depending on the cause of the failed motor:
AC circuit board replacement costs $150 to $700.
Condenser coil replacement costs $900 to $2,300 if not under warranty.
An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200. Routine service may extend the condenser fan motor's life. Regularly changing the filter keeps the unit from over-working.
The AC fan motor or condenser fan motor drives the fan that pulls heat from the unit into the outside air, preventing the compressor from overheating. The fan cools the refrigerant moving through the condensing coils and helps the unit blow cold air.
The condenser fan motor is located in the outdoor condensing unit.
Look for these signs the AC fan motor needs replacing:
The AC takes longer to cool the home.
The fan does not spin when the AC is on.
The fan spins when the AC is off.
The fan spins very slowly.
Utility bills increase.
Loud noises coming from the outside condenser unit:
Clanking or rattling sounds indicate loose, faulty, or obstructed components.
Screeching or squealing sounds typically indicate failed bearings, which require urgent attention to prevent more significant AC problems.
Follow these steps to test if an AC condenser fan motor is bad:
Confirm the thermostat is on.
Confirm the circuit breakers are on. If the AC breaker is off, switch it to the middle or neutral position and then back on.
Confirm the air filter is clean. A clogged filter blocks airflow and forces the unit to work harder.
Check the fan from the top of the outside condenser unit. Turn off the AC if the fan is not spinning.
Try carefully moving the fan blades manually with a stick or a screwdriver through the slits in the condenser top.
Turn the AC unit on after confirming the blades are unobstructed. Try kickstarting start the fan blades with the screwdriver or stick.
Successfully kickstarting the fan blades typically indicates a failed capacitor.
An unsuccessful kickstart indicates the motor is likely bad.
Schedule an HVAC technician to diagnose further if needed. A bad fan motor left unresolved leads to more significant and costly AC problems.
Before AC repair technician near you to replace your AC condenser fan motor:
Confirm whether or not the part is covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience in AC repair.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for references.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are you NATE-certified?
What experience do you have with AC fan motor repair?
Is it better to repair or replace the motor, and why?
How long will the repair or replacement take?
How long should a new AC condenser fan motor last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
What is and is not included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?