Each component of an HVAC system has to function perfectly so that you can control the room temperature in your home throughout the year. Getting the best furnace blower will help you restore the heating capabilities of your HVAC system and ensure that all parts of your home are properly heated.
There’s no reason to change this component unless it breaks down since you can’t replace the furnace’s original blower with a more powerful setup. Also, these components are almost as durable as furnaces themselves, and you don’t have to replace them often.
In this article, we’re going to show you how to recognize the signs of a failing furnace blower and help you find a suitable replacement. Read our guide to furnace types for more information on how these heating systems work.
At a Glance – The 5 Best Furnace Blowers
| Model | Motor type | Power output | Price range |
| Evergreen Scientific 6205E GE | Multi-speed | ½ HP | $$$ |
| Goodman 0131F00022SP | Multi-speed | ½ HP | $$ |
| AirHeat 60L22 | Multi-speed | ½ HP | $$ |
| Ge/Genteq HC41AE117 | Multi-speed | 1/3 HP | $$ |
| Nordyne 904502 | Single speed | 1/3 HP | $$$ |
Evergreen EM X-13 Direct Replacement Motors. No programming required, designed to replace ALL X13 Style Constant torque ECM Motors.
What is a furnace blower?
The term furnace blower can be misleading because it refers to two different components. A furnace blower is composed of a blower fan and blower motor, and if either of these parts breaks down, your HVAC system isn’t going to function properly.
The sole purpose of this part of the HVAC system is to move the hot air through the ducting, and if the motor or the fan stop working you, warm air won’t reach the inside of your home.
Moreover, the HVAC system will start consuming more power than usual because the blower has to work harder to move the air through the system.
Even furnaces manufactured by the same brand have different blowers, and if one of the components fails, you need to get a recommended OEM part. Motors break down more often than fans, so this is the component of the blower setup you’ll be looking for in most cases.
Go through our guide to the best capacitors if you need a new capacitor for your HVAC system.
Understanding how a furnace blower works
The temperature you set on the thermostat serves as a guideline for the entire system, and once the room temperature rises or drops, the thermostat sends the signal to the system to start working. The furnace then generates hot air by either combusting gas or using electricity and engaging the heat exchanger.
The blower motor starts the fan that moves the air that comes through the heat exchanger and pushes it towards the indoor air handler. A malfunctioning blower creates the risk of overheating the system as the air generated by the furnace doesn’t circulate through the system as it should.
On the other hand, if the furnace blower fails, reaching the room temperature you set on the thermostat will become virtually impossible as the airflow through the air vents will either drop considerably or stop entirely.
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Types of blower motors
Depending on their type, HVAC systems utilize several different versions of blower motors. They’re divided into several different categories based on their power consumption, noise levels, and operating speeds.
- Direct drive motors – The vast majority of modern furnaces are equipped with direct drive motors that are installed directly onto the furnace blower wheel.
- Belt drive motors – In case you still have a furnace manufactured a couple of decades ago, chances are that it utilizes a belt drive blower motor. Unfortunately, these motors are not energy efficient, and they often generate a lot of noise.
You can also distinguish between different blower motor types based on the number of speeds they have.
- Single-speed motors – As implied by their name, these motors can only operate at their maximum capacity. Consequently, they consume vast amounts of power to keep the air circulating through the system.
- Multi or variable speed motors – Even though both motors have more than one speed, multi-speed models offer less versatility in speed adjustment. Variable speed motors grant you complete control over their speed, but they’re considerably more expensive than any other type of blower motor.
During your search for a replacement blower motor, you may encounter terms like PSC or (permanent split capacitor) or ECM (electronically communicated motor). However, these terms often refer to single-speed and variable speed motors, although a PSC motor can sometimes have multiple speeds.
Read our guide to HVAC thermostat systems to learn more about how they work.
Finding the OEM blower motor
Blower motors are usually durable, and they can last for more than 10 years, but poor maintenance can shorten their lifespan. So in case you’ve determined that the blower motor is the reason why your HVAC system isn’t functioning properly, you will have to replace it with a compatible model.
Ideally, you should check the motor’s serial number and get an identical model. Doing so will ensure that the new motor is compatible with the system and that you won’t have any problems connecting it to the blower.
If you cannot find the same motor, your best option is to search for a universal OEM model compatible with your furnace. However, this might be a difficult task, as the new motor needs to match the original part’s diameter, drive, speed, horsepower, and mounting method.
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Installing a new blower motor
Replacing a blower motor isn’t difficult, and you don’t have to hire a professional to do this job for you. The first thing you need to do is to remove the old motor, but make sure to memorize the wire colors and how they’re connected to avoid complications while reconnecting the blower to the furnace.
You should then remove the bolts that connect the entire blower to the furnace and take it out. Next, proceed to detach the motor from the blower wheel and then remove the fasteners that connect the motor to the housing.
To install a new motor, you should perform the same procedure in reverse, so you should start by attaching the motor to the housing and finish by connecting the wires to the furnace control board. Then, go through our guide to the best HVAC tools to find the tools you need to install a new blower motor.
The most important factors to consider while choosing a furnace blower
In theory, the process of replacing a furnace blower shouldn’t be complicated since you just have to find out the serial number of the original motor or fan and then get the same model.
However, the furnaces have a long lifespan, and their components often go out of production, which complicates the process of finding replacement parts for old furnace models.
Universal or OEM furnace blower motors are your only option if the original model is no longer available, but you must make sure that the motor you want to get is compatible with your HVAC system. Let’s take a look at several factors that can make the search for a replacement furnace blower easier.
Find the source of the problem
You need to determine the reason why your HVAC system’s heating or cooling capabilities are no longer at 100%. The best way to do this is to test different components of the system and rule out all other possible causes of the problem.
Sometimes a faulty capacitor can be why the system is consuming more power than usual or making a lot of noise. Once you’re absolutely sure that the problem comes from the furnace blower, you should determine if you need to replace the fan, the motor, or both components.
Search for an identical replacement part
You cannot replace a single-speed motor with any other type of furnace motor. What’s more, even the same type of furnace motor might have more horsepower, a wider diameter, or a different rotation direction than the blower motor on your furnace.
You should try to contact the manufacturer and obtain the same part as the one you want to replace. If the particular motor or fan model is out of production, you should search for an OEM part compatible with your furnace.
Check the maintenance requirements
Most furnace blowers have low upkeep requirements regardless of the motor or fan they’re using. Cleaning the fan before the start of the heating season, lubricating the motor, and inspecting the motor belt regularly are the only maintenance actions you’ll have to perform.
Despite regular upkeep, some components of the furnace blower motor, like the resistor or climate control switch, may break down unexpectedly. That’s why the best way to avoid potential problems with an HVAC system is to have a licensed technician inspect its components once per year.
Calculate the replacement costs
The price of a furnace blower motor depends on its type, so a single-speed motor will costs between $100 and $300, while a multi-speed model can cost from $200 to $600.
Variable-speed furnace blower motors are the most expensive, as some models can cost more than a thousand dollars. Professional replacement of the furnace blower can cost between $300 and $800, depending on the size of the system.
Opting to install the new components by yourself can save you a lot of money, but you should keep in mind that failing to connect the wires properly or making some similar mistake can cause damage to the entire HVAC system.
Consider replacing the entire HVAC system
A malfunctioning furnace blower can be a sign that the entire HVAC system is failing. Sometimes getting a new heating or cooling system can be a more affordable option than repairing the old one.
You should consult with a licensed HVAC technician to determine if replacing a broken furnace blower is the best course of action since you may spend vast amounts of money just to deal with a different issue a few months later.
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The advantages of furnace blowers
Essential components of HVAC systems
You cannot use an HVAC system without a furnace blower as this component pushes the air through the system. That’s why you must perform regular maintenance checks to make sure that the motor and fan are in good condition.
Long lifespan
All components of furnace blowers are designed to withstand heavy usage. Their average lifespan is between 10 and 12 years, which means that they’re almost as durable as the HVAC system.
Simple replacement process
Experienced DIYers don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on the installation of a new furnace blower, since with access to the right tools, they can replace the motor or the fan by themselves.
The disadvantages of furnace blowers
Limited availability of original parts
Finding the original replacement parts for your furnace blower may be difficult, especially if your furnace is more than ten years old. Universal motors and fans are usually compatible with a handful of furnaces, and you need to check if the model you’re interested in can be fitted on your HVAC system.
Top 5 furnace blowers
Evergreen Scientific 6205E GE
The Evergreen Scientific 6205E GE is a replacement blower motor for furnaces manufactured by Carrier, Trane, and American Standard. It has four speeds as well as a constant fan option which enables you to adjust the airflow speed to your needs.
This brushless DC motor produces minimal noise, and it features a rotation sensing technology that monitors its number of rotations per minute. The motor has ½ HP, and it is suitable for furnaces used in commercial and residential settings.
Pros
- Provides constant torque
- Replaces a wide range of furnace blower motors
- Made from high-quality materials
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Not a budget-friendly option
- It might not work with variable-speed systems
Evergreen EM X-13 Direct Replacement Motors. No programming required, designed to replace ALL X13 Style Constant torque ECM Motors.
Goodman 0131F00022SP
Designed as a replacement part for Goodman’s furnaces, the Goodman 0131F00022SP will only work with models that already have this blower motor. This model ½ HP and is commonly found in furnaces designed for residential use.
The flex mount type allows for a quick and simple installation process, and it won’t take you more than an hour to replace the old furnace blower motor. You should keep in mind that the motor weighs almost 9lbs. This multi-speed motor has four speeds, and it offers 1130RPM of motor rotation speed.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Great power output
- Silent operation
- Easy installation
Cons
- Limited compatibility
- It doesn’t work with HVAC systems over 3 tons
Blower Motor with Mount, 1/3 HP, 4 Speed, 1075 RPM
AirHeat 60L22
The AirHeat 60L22 is a replacement part of seven different blower motors featured on Lennox and Armstrong furnaces. It has a tri-mount mount type, and the maximum motor speed is 1075rpm. This Permanent Split Capacitor motor can operate at 5 different speeds, but it isn’t energy-efficient.
The motor ships with a 7.5 MFD 370V capacitor, so you don’t have to purchase these two components separately. Even though the motor is compatible with a wide range of furnaces, you still need to check if you can use it with your Lennox or Armstrong furnace.
Pros
- Variable speed
- Simple installation
- Low maintenance requirements
- Very durable
Cons
- Expensive
- High power consumption
Lennox OEM replacement furnace blower motor 1/2 HP 115 volt.
GE/Genteq HC41AE117
If you need a replacement blower motor for a Bryant furnace, then the GE/Genteq HC411AE117 might be the right solution for you. This motor has four speeds, and it offers 1/3 HP.
Finding the entire list of the model’s specifications can be difficult and figuring out if it is compatible with your Bryant furnace. Also, this motor isn’t durable or energy-efficient, so the chances are that you’ll have to replace it often.
Pros
- Replacement part for Bryant furnaces
- Compact dimensions
- Multi-speed motor
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not durable
- Information about this motor isn’t easily available
Bryant GE/Genteq replacement furnace blower motor 1/3 HP 115 Volt 4 SPD.
Nordyne 904502
The Nordyne 904502 works only with furnaces manufactured by this brand, and you can only use it with models that feature single-speed furnace blower motors. Consequently, this Nordyne’s model consumes a lot of electricity, while its power is limited to just 1/3 HP.
The model’s maximum rotation speed is 1075rpm, and you can only use it at the maximum capacity. Like most similar models, the Nordyne 904502 doesn’t require professional installation. This furnace blower model is durable, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it if you decide to purchase it.
Pros
- Replacement part for blower motors on Nordyne furnaces
- Made from high-quality materials
- Easy installation
Cons
- High power consumption
- Checking the motor’s compatibility can be difficult
Nordyne OEM replacement furnace blower motor 1/3 HP.
Frequently asked questions about furnace blower
Question: Do furnace blowers consume a lot of energy?
Answer: Yes, they do, the furnace blower motor needs a lot of energy to keep the fan running.
Question: Are furnace blowers supposed to be loud?
Answer: No, and if you hear loud noises coming out of a furnace blower, you need to check if all of its components are working properly.
Question: Should I change all components of a furnace blower?
Answer: You don’t have to change all components of a furnace blower if just one component breaks down.
Question: Are OEM parts for furnace blowers reliable?
Answer: The component’s durability depends on the model and the manufacturer since some furnace blowers can last for years while others break down after six months.
Our verdict: How to know which furnace blower is the best?
You should focus on finding the right blower components for your furnace rather than searching for the best ones. Ideally, you should check the motor’s or the fan’s serial number and get an identical model, but you should search for an alternative solution if this isn’t possible.
An OEM or a universal motor can help you solve the problem with your furnace blower, but you need to make sure that the model you choose is compatible with your furnace.
We recommend getting the Evergreen Scientific 6205E GE if you have a Carrier or Trane furnace, while the GE/Genteq HC411AE117 can be a good solution for you if you have a Bryant furnace.
Evergreen EM X-13 Direct Replacement Motors. No programming required, designed to replace ALL X13 Style Constant torque ECM Motors.
Was this guide to the best furnace blowers helpful? Let us know in the comments, or continue reading our guide to finding the best 18.000 BTU air conditioner if you need a reliable cooling system for your home.
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