How to Replace an AC Blower Motor in 8 Steps

The AC blower motor is an essential and integral part of the overall function of the AC unit. Because it moves the entire time your AC is on, the AC blower motor is one of the most common components that will eventually break and need replacement. 

If your AC blower motor is becoming faulty or has failed and needs replacement, you can count on our trusted and qualified technicians at Comfort Specialists in Roxbury Township for AC repair services. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace an AC blower motor and what you can expect during this service.

1. Assemble the Necessary Supplies

Replacing a blower motor is a complex task that is best left to HVAC professionals. Some of the tools required to replace an AC blower motor include:

• New blower motor
• Screwdriver 
• Socket set
• Set screw
• Clamp-on ammeter
• Allen keys
• Nut driver
• Needle nose pliers

An experienced technician will have all of these tools on hand in addition to a new blower motor and will wear safety glasses when servicing your HVAC unit.

Depending on your AC type, you can choose between an Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) or a Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motor. While most older ACs used PSCs, ECMs are more modern and can reduce your cooling system's energy consumption by up to 75%.

2. Shut off the Power

First and foremost, a technician will ensure the power is shut off to the AC unit, and the circuit breaker is off, creating a safe work environment. Once we turn off all the power sources, we will remove the service panel that covers the electrical components. 

3. Disconnect All Wires

Before touching or moving the wiring, our technicians will sketch the original writing configuration or take a picture of the wiring. We will then remove the wires from their connecting points. After we remove the wires, the condensing unit is electrically disconnected. 

4. Expose the Blower Motor

The technician will remove the fan guard grille, exposing the four nuts that are securing the blower motor. We will remove the four nuts, loosen the set screw that holds the fan blade, and mark the position of that blade. Then we can entirely remove the fan blade. 

5. Install the New Fan Blade

The new fan blade is now ready for installation. Utilizing the previously marked blade, we will reposition the new blade properly and use a set screw to re-attach the motor and fan back into the condensing unit. The four nuts will then be secured. 

6. Reconnect the Wires

Using the picture or diagram of the previous wiring, the technician will reroute the motor wire to their appropriate connection points, then secure and re-check all the wires.

7. Test the Fan Blades

The technician will manually check that the condenser fan blades are working correctly. Once the technician ensures the unit functions properly, they'll turn on the thermostat and switch on the condensing unit. 

8. Confirm the Motor Works and Wrap Up

The technician will ensure the new AC blower motor in place by listening for any unusual noises. The technician will also use a clamp-on ammeter to gauge the amperage draw coming from the motor. Once all tests are complete and the AC blower motor functions perfectly, the service panel will be put back into place and secured. The AC blower motor replacement is now complete!

These steps seem complex and might make you concerned about the cost of replacing an AC blower motor. Your trusted AC repair technician from Comfort Specialists will inspect your AC and let you know the cost of the repair. If your AC unit is under warranty, you can expect the cost to be lower. If you have a larger, outdated AC unit, it will cost much more. 

Contact Comfort Specialists for AC Repair

Everyone needs a heating and cooling company they can trust and depend on to keep their HVAC units running correctly and their business or home running efficiently. Comfort Specialists is your go-to heating and cooling company in Roxbury Township for AC repair services. 

Customer satisfaction is a top priority at Comfort Specialists. Our technicians will replace your AC blower motor and ensure all your questions and concerns are answered before we leave the service call.

If your AC blower motor needs replacing or fixing, give us a call today to schedule expert service with one of our qualified technicians! For 24-hour customer service, call us at (973) 490-4881. We look forward to servicing your unit!