AC condenser fan motor replacement cost

The condenser fan motor sits under the grille on top of the outdoor unit. It pulls air across the condenser coil so the refrigerant can release heat. Published ranges for replacing it differ by source.

The three guides come from the same publisher and do not agree exactly, which shows how much this price varies with the motor and the market. Use the ranges to check that a quote is plausible.

• The motor. Many units accept a universal replacement motor, which costs less. Others need the manufacturer's own part. Variable-speed motors, found in higher-efficiency units, cost more and are usually brand-specific.
• A new capacitor. A fan motor should get a new run capacitor matched to it. Most technicians include one.
• The fan blade. If the blade is bent, cracked or seized onto the old motor shaft, it is replaced too.
• Labor and the service call. The job includes confirming the fault, swapping the motor, setting the blade height, wiring it and checking the amp draw.

Motor type has the biggest effect. Horsepower, speed and the direction of rotation all have to match the original, and a brand-specific motor can cost several times what a universal one does.

Warranty comes next. If the unit is still under a manufacturer parts warranty, the motor may be covered and you pay labor only. Have the model and serial number ready.

Timing matters as well. Fan motors tend to fail in hot weather when they work hardest, and an evening or weekend call usually adds an after-hours charge. Part availability can also affect the price if the motor has to be ordered quickly.

A fan that will not spin is often caused by a failed capacitor, which is a much cheaper repair. A burnt contactor, a loose wire or a tripped breaker can produce the same symptom. Ask the technician what was tested and what the readings were before you approve a motor.

Signs that point to the motor itself include a fan that starts slowly, stops when it gets hot, makes a grinding or screeching noise, or has a shaft that is stiff or wobbly. The page on an outside AC unit not running covers the safe checks you can make first, such as the breaker and the thermostat.

A fan motor on its own is a mid-priced repair and rarely a reason to replace an air conditioner. It is worth pausing only if the unit is old and has other problems at the same time, such as a refrigerant leak or a noisy compressor.

One caution: running the AC with a dead fan can overheat and damage the compressor. If the fan stopped and the unit kept running for a long time, ask the technician to check the compressor before you pay for the motor. For other part prices, see the HVAC cost guides.