How much does attic fan installation cost?
$300 – $900 average cost installed
Get free estimates from attic fan installers near you, or view our cost guide below.
January 11, 2022
Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 3 expert attic fan installers on HomeGuide.Attic fan installation cost
Attic fan installation costs $300 to $900 on average. A new attic fan costs $90 to $850 for electric or solar models or $20 to $100 for roof turbines. The labor cost to add an attic fan is $100 to $500. A whole-house attic fan costs $600 to $2,300 installed.
| National average cost | $600 |
| Minimum cost | $100 |
| Maximum cost | $1,500 |
| Average cost range | $300 to $900 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Table of contents
[hide]Attic fan cost by type
Attic fans cost $20 to $900 alone on average, depending on the size, type, and features. Fans with automatic shutters, thermostat and humidistat controls, smart technology, or solar power typically cost the most.
| Fan type | Fan price | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Static vent (roof or gable) - passive | $20 – $500 | $200 – $700 |
| Roof turbine / whirlybird - passive | $20 – $100 | $150 – $300 |
| Gable attic fan – electric | $100 – $500 | $200 – $1,000 |
| Gable attic fan – solar | $250 – $700 | $350 – $1,200 |
| Roof attic fan – electric | $100 – $700 | $200 – $1,200 |
| Roof vent fan – solar | $200 – $900 | $300 – $1,400 |
| Dual-powered attic fan | $300 – $500 | $400 – $1,000 |
| Whole-house fan | $300 – $1,500 | $600 – $2,300 |
Attic roof fan or vent cost
Roof fan prices are $200 to $1,400 with installation, depending on the size, type, and power source. Roof attic fans are electric or solar-powered and are typically installed below the ridge on the back of the house. A roof-mounted fan is ideal for flat-roofed homes or limited attic space.
Installing a roof vent costs $200 to $700, depending on the size and style. Roof exhaust vents paired with soffit intake vents are the most common and effective passive ventilation method.
Whole-house attic fan cost
A whole-house fan costs $600 to $2,300 on average with installation. Whole-house fans are installed in the ceiling in the center of the home's uppermost level. Whole-house attic fans pull cool outdoor air in through open windows and expel warm air out through the attic.
Gable attic fan installation cost
Gable attic fan installation costs $200 to $1,200, depending on the fan size, features, and if it's electric, solar, or dual-powered. Gable attic fans mount directly at the gable vent located at the top of the exterior wall where the roof peaks.
Electric attic fan cost
An electric attic fan costs $200 to $1,200 installed, depending on its size and features. Most professionals do not recommend electric fans because the energy required to run them negates any potential AC savings. Electric attic fans are banned in some states due to their inefficiency.
Solar attic fan installation cost
Solar attic fan installation costs $300 to $1,400 with labor or $200 to $850 for the fan alone. Solar attic fans cost nothing to run once installed, and installation may qualify for federal and state tax incentives.
Dual-powered attic fans cost $400 to $1,000 with installation and use a combination of solar and electric power. Installing a dual-powered model allows the fan to run during limited or no sun exposure.
Cost factors to install an attic fan
The following factors affect the cost of attic fan installation:
- Attic size – A larger attic requires a fan with a higher cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow.
- Controls – Features like a built-in thermostat, humidistat, automatic shutters, and smart technology increase the cost but improve efficiency and convenience.
- Fan Energy Source – Solar-powered fans cost more upfront but do not cost anything to run.
- Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to run a new electrical line to the attic.
- Accessibility – Installing the fan in a hard-to-access area adds time and labor.
- Installation location – Installing an attic fan on the roof may require additional shingles. Adding a fan in a gable wall may require siding and caulk to finish the installation.
- Roof height and pitch – Multi-story homes and steeply sloped roofs make installation more challenging and increase labor costs.
- Permits – Most cities require a permit for electrical or structural modifications.
- Warranty – Solar-powered units cost more but typically have a longer warranty than electric fans.
- Attic insulation costs $800 to $1,500. A poorly insulated attic may require a more expensive, larger capacity fan.
Labor cost to add an attic fan
The labor cost to add an attic fan is $100 to $500 and may require a roofer, carpenter, and electrician, depending on the fan type, install location, and attic conditions. Installing an attic fan on the roof requires more labor than gable wall installation.
- Roof repair costs $30 to $80 per hour with a $150 to $300 minimum service fee to install a fan or vent on the roof.
- Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to run a new electrical line to the attic.
- Carpenters charge $40 to $100 per hour or $5 to $20 per square foot on average to install the framework for an attic fan.
Attic fan prices by power source
Attic fan prices are $20 to $900 for the unit alone, depending on the size and type. Solar-powered fans cost the most but are the most efficient powered units. Passive turbine-style vents are the cheapest because they use the wind to spin the fan.
| Fan type | Average price |
|---|---|
| Passive turbine-style | $20 – $100 |
| Electric-powered | $80 – $700 |
| Solar-powered | $200 – $900 |
*Installation not included.
Cost of attic fan installation materials
Installing an attic fan may require additional materials, depending on the fan type, installation location, and attic conditions.
| Material | Average price |
|---|---|
| Roof sealant | $10 – $30 |
| Automatic gable vent shutters (if not included) | $50 – $80 |
| Installation supplies (wood, screws, nails, etc.) | $15 – $50 |
| Roof vent fan cover | $35 – $80 |
| Roof turbine cap | $15 – $20 |
Attic fan humidistat and thermostat cost
An attic fan thermostat or humidistat costs $100 to $300 with installation. Most fans include one or both.
- An attic fan thermostat costs $30 to $80, depending on its features. A thermostat maintains a preset temperature and prevents the fan from running longer than necessary.
- An attic fan humidistat costs $50 to $80 on average and helps prevent moisture damage by triggering the fan if the attic reaches a set humidity level.
- A combination thermostat/humidistat costs $50 to $90.
Cost to run an attic fan
Running an electric attic fan 4 hours a day costs $0.40 to $7.30 per month. An attic fan should only run long enough to equalize the attic temperature with the outdoor temperature. Most electric attic fans use 25 to 300 Watts per hour. Solar-powered attic fans do not require electricity.
Attic ventilation fans pros and cons
Attic ventilation fans reduce heat and moisture build-up, preventing roof, framework, and insulation damage. Potential utility savings depends on the fan type. Electric attic fans may use more energy than they save.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Frequently asked questions
How long does attic fan installation take?
Installing an attic fan takes 3 to 5 hours on average. A simple, exact replacement may only take 1 to 2 hours. Complex installations requiring additional vents or electrical wiring often take 4 to 8 hours.
Are attic fans worth the investment?
An attic fan may be worth the investment, depending on the attic conditions and fan type:
- A solar attic fan reduces AC usage and saves energy if the attic is sealed correctly. Solar attic fan installation may be eligible for federal and state tax incentives.
- Running an electric or solar-powered fan in an improperly sealed attic creates negative pressure, pulling out the home's conditioned air, forcing the AC to work harder, and potentially increasing energy costs.
- Insulated homes with a reflective roof and adequate passive ventilation typically do not need an attic fan. Installing an attic fan with ridge vents may reduce the home's energy efficiency.
Do attic fans really work?
A properly installed attic fan can reduce attic temperature by 20° or more, decreasing the load on the AC system to cool the home's interior. Attic fans also prevent excess moisture, reduce mold and mildew growth, prevent roof ice dams, and extend the roof's and interior framework's life.
What size attic fan do I need?
Attic fan size should be at least 700 cubic feet per minute (CFM) for every 1,000 SF of attic floor. Add 15% to 20% more airflow for dark or steep roofs.
| Attic size (square feet) | Recommended airflow (CFM) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 700 – 850 |
| 1,500 | 1,100 – 1,300 |
| 2,000 | 1,400 – 1,700 |
| 2,500 | 1,800 – 2,100 |
| 3,000 | 2,100 – 2,500 |
How many attic fans do I need?
The number of attic fans needed depends on the attic size and the fans' CFM rating. Multiple fans may be used to meet the total CFM required for adequate ventilation, but installing one fan for the total required CFM is the most cost-effective option.
How long do attic fans last?
Properly maintained electric and solar attic fans last 10 to 15 years. Passive roof vents without motorized fans last 40 to 50 years.
Is an attic fan necessary with ridge vents?
An attic fan is not recommended for homes with ridge vents. Installing an attic fan in a house with ridge vents may prevent hot air from releasing through the ridge vents and let water into the attic, leading to increased AC costs and moisture damage.
How much does it cost to repair an attic fan?
Repairing an attic fan costs $100 to $500 on average, depending on the problem. Replacing a fan belt or switch costs $60 to $100, while replacing the fan motor may cost $150 to $650. Replacing the fan itself is best if it is older than 10 years.
How much does a bathroom ventilation fan cost?
Installing a new bathroom fan costs $250 to $950 on average. Replacing an existing bathroom fan costs $150 to $550. Bathroom ventilation pulls moisture from the air and prevents water damage like peeling paint and wallpaper, mold, and mildew growth.
Who installs attic fans?
Attic fans are installed by roofers, carpenters, electricians, handymen, and HVAC contractors. Installation may require more than one expert, depending on the fan type, location, and site conditions.
- Hire a roofer if installing a roof-mounted attic fan.
- Hire a licensed electrician if new wiring is needed.
- Hire a carpenter if structural changes or framework are needed (typical for a gable-mounted fan).
- Hire a handyman for fan replacements.
Hiring an attic fan installer
Before hiring a local roofer, electrician, or carpenter near you to install an attic fan, be sure to:
- Get at least three estimates to compare.
- Look for pros with experience installing attic fans and evaluating the attic's venting requirements.
- Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
- Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
- Ask for references.
- Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
- Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
- Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask fan installers
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How long have you been in business?
- What experience do you have with installing attic fans?
- What type of attic fan do you recommend for my attic, and why?
- Does the installation include a thermostat and humidistat?
- Do I need to control the fan, or does it turn on automatically?
- Can I run the AC at the same time as the attic fan?
- Will the attic need additional vents?
- How long will the installation take?
- How long should a new fan last?
- Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
- What is and is not included in the estimate?
- What additional costs should I expect?
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