What Is the Traditional AC Unit Motor Cost?

A broken motor is one of the most common AC problems. Your air conditioner has a fan motor and a blower motor. Let's explore the typical AC unit motor costs and the steps you can take to save money when you have to purchase one.

Blower Motor Costs

Your AC blower motor is in the air handler inside your home. It pulls your home's warm air, pushes it over the AC evaporator coil to be cooled, and blows cooled air back into the house. A blower motor replacement typically ranges from $250 to $800.

Fan Motor Costs

Located in your outdoor unit, the fan motor cools the superheated refrigerant down. Replacing it usually costs between $300 and $600.

How to Save on AC Unit Motor Costs

There are several ways to save on AC unit motor costs:

• Routine maintenance. You can avoid having to replace a broken motor by scheduling an AC tuneup every year. A certified technician will check and fine-tune all AC parts during the maintenance appointment. Routine service extends the life span of AC components and prevents expensive repairs in the future.

• Having a warranty. If you already have a motor that needs replacement, you can save on new motor costs if your current one is still under warranty. You can pay just $150 for labor with a warranty. Be sure to check the specifics of your AC warranty.

• Choosing a reputable contractor. The labor costs to install your new motor will depend on the contractor you hire. HVAC contractors charge an hourly or fixed rate for labor. Make sure you work with a reputable contractor who offers written estimates to help you know the expected costs right from the start.

Remember, regular maintenance helps you extend the life of your motors. Taking advantage of your warranty and hiring an experienced contractor with excellent reviews will help you keep AC unit motor costs down. If you need AC repair or maintenance services, contact Air Assurance, an award-winning HVAC company serving the Broken Arrow area.

Should You Set Your Thermostat to Fan On or Auto?

When setting your thermostat, have you ever wondered about the difference between the "On" and "Auto" fan settings? If you fiddled with it, you likely figured it out quickly. What you may not know is why one setting is better than the other when it comes to energy efficiency and home comfort.

"On" vs. "Auto"

First, it's important to recognize that a central forced-air HVAC system has two interlinking modes of operation. The first is the equipment that cools or heats the air. The second is the system that distributes the air throughout the house and draws it back to the equipment to be conditioned again. The thermostat fan setting controls operation of the second part of that equation.When the fan is set to "On," the blower motor and fan run 24/7, regardless of whether the A/C, heat pump or furnace is cooling or heating the air. Setting your thermostat fan setting to "Auto," however, makes sure the fan only operates when the system is actively cooling or heating the air.

Advantages of the "Auto" Setting

Here are a few benefits of keeping your thermostat fan set to "Auto:"

• If your central HVAC system is oversized, which is common in residential systems, it will cycle on and off frequently. Residual moisture removed from the air during the cooling process is left on the evaporator coil. If the fan is running continuously, the moving air will re-absorb that moisture and circulate it through the house. Your A/C ends up working harder to dehumidify the air, and the cooled air will feel clammy.

• When the fan is running all the time, it uses more energy than it would if it were set to "Auto."

• If your ductwork isn't tight, the constant fan operation may result in more air infiltration into the ducts. Depending on the source of that air, it could be dirty or humid if it's entering the ducts from an attached garage or crawl space.

For more help setting your thermostat, please contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality HVAC services to residents of Broken Arrow.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Daniel Hodac/Shutterstock”

Air Conditioner Sounds You Don't Want to Hear

When an air conditioner is functioning correctly, it will make relatively little noise. However, air conditioners can develop problems over time as internal parts undergo wear and tear. Many of these problems are indicated by specific noises. Understanding what the different air conditioner sounds mean can help you to diagnose problems and seek help when necessary.

Here are some of the sounds that can tell you when your HVAC system needs to be serviced by a professional.

Screeching

If the blower motor screeches while it's operating, this may be due to a belt that's wearing out. Worn belts aren't expensive to replace, but if they wear out completely and break, the blower motor will be unable to function.

Thudding, Rattling and Clanging 

When you hear rattling, this usually means that a part within the system is coming loose. The problem should be repaired before the part comes all the way loose or breaks. If your system is producing a loud banging noise, it likely means a part has come loose or is broken. In either case, shut off the system and contact a professional.

Slapping 

A rapid slapping sound that occurs when the blower is on may be caused by something stuck in the blades. Alternatively, there could be something coming into contact with the blower while it's turning. It's possible that neither of these problems will cause your HVAC system to break down immediately, but they can create resistance and that may lead to the motor wearing out quickly.

Clicking

When your air conditioner is functioning normally, you can expect to hear clicking noises as it cycles on and off. These clicking noises come from the relays and controls. However, repeated clicking can be a symptom of a failing control or thermostat.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Christian Delbert/Shutterstock”

Why The Blower Is Such An Important Part Of Your Furnace

When you have a forced-air system, heated air is created at the furnace and blown through a system of ducts, which carry the heated air to vents in each room of your home. The mechanism that actually moves this heated air through your ductwork is called a "blower." Without the blower, your heated air would not reach its intended destination. If your blower is malfunctioning, getting furnace repair is a top priority. Understanding your furnace blowerThe blower motor is usually the part of your furnace that has to work the hardest, since it is responsible for circulating your heated air. Blowers come in several different forms, depending on your furnace technology:

• When you have a single speed blower, your blower is either on or off. When the temperature drops your thermostat setting, the blower kicks on at full capacity, with no option for adjustment.

• With a variable-speed blower motor, you get the added benefit of a "soft start," which means the blower comes on at less than full throttle. After a few minutes of operation, the blower can increase capacity as needed to sufficiently warm your home. That way, the blower motor only runs at full charge when it needs to, instead of running at full capacity all the time.

No matter what type of blower you have, proper maintenance is essential to proper furnace function. Check your system regularly dirt or dust buildup, consult a professional if your blower needs repair, and don't forget to schedule annual maintenance.To learn more about furnace blowers, or if you need assistance with furnace repair, contact Air Assurancetoday.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!      Fan symbol image via Shutterstock