How Much Does a Blower Motor Replacement Cost in Fort Myers?
- Jean Swafford
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
If your air conditioner isn't blowing air, makes grinding noises, or just stopped working altogether, you might need a blower motor replacement. One of the first questions homeowners in Fort Myers ask is: "How much is this going to cost me?"
At Big Air Heat and AC, we believe in transparent pricing and helping Lee County homeowners understand what they're paying for. The truth is, the cost of replacing a blower motor depends primarily on one important factor: how old your HVAC system is.
In this guide, we'll break down blower motor replacement costs, explain Florida's important warranty law that could save you hundreds of dollars, and help you understand your options.
What Does a Blower Motor Do?
Before we talk about costs, let's quickly explain what a blower motor does. The blower motor is the component inside your air handler (the indoor unit) that pushes air through your ductwork and into your home. Without it working properly, you won't get any airflow—even if your AC or heat is running perfectly otherwise.
Signs you might need a blower motor replacement:
No air coming from your vents
Weak airflow throughout your home
Loud grinding, squealing, or screeching noises
Your system runs but doesn't cool or heat
Your AC cycles on and off frequently
Higher than normal electric bills
Understanding Warranty Processing Fees
Some manufacturers charge what's called a "warranty processing fee" or "warranty administration fee." This fee covers their costs for:
Processing the warranty claim paperwork
Shipping the new motor to the supplier
Providing a return shipping label for the failed motor
Evaluating the failed part to confirm it was defective
Administrative costs
Important: Not all manufacturers charge this fee. Some provide warranty parts completely free, while others may charge anywhere from $50 to $150 for processing. The specific amount depends on your system's manufacturer.
When you call Big Air Heat and AC, we'll look up your system, tell you the exact manufacturer, and let you know upfront if there's a warranty processing fee and how much it is.
Typical Warranty Replacement Cost Breakdown:
Blower motor (parts): $0 (covered by warranty)
Warranty processing fee: $0-$150 (depends on manufacturer)
Labor to install: $325
Total cost with warranty: $325-$475
That's a significant savings compared to paying for the motor out of pocket!
If Your System Is Out of Warranty: Aftermarket Motors Are Your Best Option
At this point, you have two options:
Option 1: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Motor
This is the exact motor your system came with originally
Typically costs $400-$800+ just for the part
Can take several days to order and arrive
May be difficult to source for older discontinued models
Option 2: Aftermarket Motor (Our Recommendation)
Universal motors designed to work with multiple system brands
Same reliability and performance as OEM
Significantly less expensive: $100-$300 for the motor
Usually available same-day or next-day
Backed by manufacturer warranty (typically 1-5 years depending on the motor)
At Big Air Heat and AC, we recommend aftermarket motors for systems over 10 years old. Here's why:
They're Just as Reliable: Quality aftermarket motors are engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications. They do the exact same job and last just as long.
Significant Cost Savings: Why pay $600 for an OEM motor when an aftermarket motor that performs identically costs $200?
Faster Repairs: We stock common aftermarket motors and can often complete your repair the same day, getting your AC running quickly.
Good Warranty Coverage: Aftermarket motors come with their own manufacturer warranties, giving you protection if anything goes wrong.
Blower Motor Replacement Cost Breakdown (Out of Warranty)
Here's what you can expect to pay for a blower motor replacement when your system is not under warranty:
Aftermarket Blower Motor: $100-$300
Price varies based on motor size and horsepower
Your specific system requirements determine which motor you need
We'll always use the most cost-effective option that meets your system's specifications
Labor to Install: $325
Includes removal of the old motor
Installation of the new motor
Testing to ensure proper operation
Cleanup and disposal of the old motor
Total Cost: $425-$625 (typically)
In most cases, your complete blower motor replacement should cost less than $700, even without warranty coverage.
Why Labor Costs What It Does
Some homeowners wonder why there's a labor charge when replacing a motor. Here's what's involved in a professional blower motor replacement:
Diagnosis: Confirming the blower motor is actually the problem (not a capacitor, control board, or other issue)
Accessing the motor: Opening your air handler and safely accessing the blower assembly
Electrical disconnection: Safely disconnecting power and wiring
Removal: Removing the old motor from the blower wheel and housing
Installation: Installing and securing the new motor
Electrical connection: Properly wiring the new motor
Testing: Running the system through multiple cycles to ensure proper operation
Calibration: Adjusting airflow settings if needed
Our $325 labor rate covers a professional, warrantied installation by experienced HVAC technicians, not a quick patch job.
Additional Costs to Be Aware Of
In most cases, a simple blower motor replacement is straightforward. However, sometimes technicians discover related issues:
Capacitor Replacement: The capacitor helps start the blower motor. If your motor failed because of a bad capacitor, we'll need to replace both. Capacitors typically cost $75-$150 including labor.
Control Board Issues: If the control board that sends power to the motor is damaged, it may need replacement as well.
Blower Wheel Damage: Sometimes the blower wheel (the fan attached to the motor) is damaged and needs replacement.
At Big Air Heat and AC, we'll never perform additional work without explaining what's needed and getting your approval first. Our $99 diagnostic service identifies all issues upfront so there are no surprises.
How to Keep Blower Motor Replacement Costs Down
1. Know Your System's Age
Keep a record of when your HVAC system was installed. This helps you know immediately if you're still under warranty.
2. Regular Maintenance Prevents Failures
Many blower motor failures are caused by:
Dirty air filters restricting airflow
Accumulated dust and debris
Annual maintenance by Big Air Heat and AC can catch these issues before they destroy your motor.
3. Replace Air Filters Regularly
A clogged filter makes your blower motor work harder, shortening its lifespan. Change your filter every 30-60 days.
4. Address Strange Noises Immediately
If your blower motor starts making grinding or squealing sounds, call us right away. Early intervention can sometimes save the motor or prevent additional damage to other components.
5. Get a Second Opinion on Old Systems
If your system is very old (15+ years) and needs a blower motor, sometimes it makes more financial sense to replace the entire system rather than keep repairing it. We'll give you honest advice about whether repair or replacement is the smarter investment.
Why Choose Big Air Heat and AC for Your Blower Motor Replacement?
When you need a blower motor replaced in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero, or anywhere in Lee County, Big Air Heat and AC provides:
Transparent, Upfront Pricing: We'll tell you exactly what your blower motor replacement will cost before we start any work—no surprises.
Warranty Expertise: We'll check if your system qualifies for Florida's 10-year warranty law and handle all the manufacturer paperwork for you.
Quality Parts: We use reliable aftermarket motors that provide excellent performance at a fair price.
Fast Service: We stock common motors and can often complete repairs the same day.
Experienced Technicians: Our team has replaced thousands of blower motors and knows how to do the job right the first time.
Fair Labor Rates: Our $325 labor charge is competitive and includes professional installation with a service guarantee.
Get Your Blower Motor Replaced Today
Don't suffer in the Fort Myers heat with a broken blower motor. Whether your system is under warranty or needs an affordable aftermarket motor, Big Air Heat and AC has you covered.
We offer $99 diagnostic service to accurately identify if your blower motor is the problem and provide you with exact pricing for your specific situation.
Call Big Air Heat and AC at (239) 738-1344 to schedule your diagnostic appointment. We serve all of Lee County and can often provide same-day service.
Remember: If your system is less than 10 years old, you might only pay for labor thanks to Florida's warranty law. Call us to find out!
Big Air Heat and AC - Your trusted HVAC repair experts serving Fort Myers and all of Lee County. From blower motor replacements to complete system installations, we provide honest service at fair prices.
Remember, when you think AC, think Big Air!


Comments