How much does it cost to repair an attic fan?

Attic fan repair costs

Attic fan repair costs $100 to $500 on average, with most homeowners spending about $325. Attic fan replacement costs $300 to $900 and is recommended for fans older than 10 years. Attic fan motor replacement costs $150 to $650. Replacing a whole-house attic fan costs $600 to $2,200.

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Cost to repair an attic fan or vent

Attic fan parts cost $10 to $250 alone, while labor costs $40 to $100 per hour, depending on the fan location and expertise required.

*Including parts and labor.

Attic fan motor replacement cost

Attic fan motor replacement costs $150 to $650 with labor, depending on the size and type. The motor alone costs $50 to $250 for an attic fan or $150 to $300 for a whole-house model.

Electrical repairs for attic fan

Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to repair an attic fan, with a $75 minimum call-out fee. Check the circuit breaker to confirm it has not tripped before calling an electrician for repairs.

Attic fan thermostat replacement cost

Attic fan thermostat replacement costs $80 to $300 total on average. The thermostat alone costs $30 to $80 or more, depending on the features. Some fans come with an on/off switch to bypass the thermostat. Starting the fan successfully with the switch indicates a thermostat issue.

Attic fan cover or cap replacement

The cost of attic fan cover replacement is $15 to $250, depending on the fan type:

• Replacing a roof vent fan cover costs $90 to $250 with labor by a handyman or $35 to $80 for the dome alone.
• A turbine cap costs $15 to $20 and can replace the fan head during colder months or severe weather.
• A whole-house attic fan cover costs $20 to $50 and covers the indoor ceiling grill to prevent heat escaping into the attic during colder months when the fan is not used.

Attic fan belt & switch replacement cost

Attic fan belt or switch replacement costs $60 to $100 on average, including the parts and an hour of labor for a handyman to complete the job. Replacing a belt or switch DIY is a relatively simple repair and saves $50 to $80 or more.

Attic fan mount repair cost

Attic fan mount repair costs $50 to $80 on average for a handyman to fix a loose or improperly secured fan mount. Replacing the fan is recommended for more serious fan mount issues because the fan itself is typically connected directly to the mounting material.

Roof repair costs $200 to $800 for mild or moderate repairs. Repairing a roof-mounted attic fan may require repairs to the surrounding roof area, depending on the damage.

Replace roof vent

Replacing a roof vent costs $150 to $750 on average, depending on the vent size and type. Attic fans and whole-house fans must be paired with sufficient ventilation to exhaust warm air outside.

Solar-powered ventilation fan repair cost

Solar-powered fan repairs cost $100 to $500 or more, depending on the problem. Solar- and electric-powered fans use many of the same parts. A loose connection, thermostat, or motor problem may be the cause if the solar panel is clean, getting sunlight, and the blades are unobstructed.

Replacing one solar panel costs $100 to $450 on average if the panel itself is broken.

Attic fan replacement cost

Attic fan replacement costs $300 to $900, depending on the size and type. Replacing an attic fan is the best choice if the current fan is over 10 years old.

Whole-house fan replacement costs $600 to $2,200 on average. Whole-house fans are typically installed in a centralized location in the ceiling of the uppermost floor and expel the home's warm air out through the attic.

How to replace an attic fan

Replacing an attic fan is labor-intensive and requires electrical expertise and possibly roofing or carpentry skills. A qualified technician follows these steps to replace the unit:

1. Turn off the power supply.
2. Test the voltage at the fan's electrical connections to confirm the power is off.
3. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the fan.
4. Unscrew the mounting hardware and remove the attic fan.
5. Insert and secure the new fan.*
6. Connect the new fan's electrical wiring.
7. Adjust the temperature controls if needed.
8. Turn on the power supply.
9. Test the fan.

*Installing a different size attic fan may require additional structural and electrical work.

Replacing a roof-mounted attic fan requires securing the fan with roof sealant and covering all screw and nail heads with sealant to prevent leaks.

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Cost factors to repair a whole-house or attic fan

The following factors affect the cost to repair an attic or whole-house fan:

• Accessibility – Repairing roof-mounted or hard-to-access attic fans typically costs more due to extra labor.
• Size (CFM) – Larger motors and fan blades typically cost more.
• Brand – High-end brands like Quiet Cool may cost more for parts and repairs if not under warranty.
• Fan energy source – An electric- or solar-powered fan has more parts susceptible to breaking than passive ventilation or a roof turbine. Solar-powered fans also contain a panel exposed to the elements.
• Labor – Labor costs $40 to $100 per hour or more, depending on the professional. Some problems require a licensed electrician, while a handyman may resolve other issues.
• Permits – Repairs requiring structural changes to the house or roof may require a permit.
• Warranty – Parts may be covered if the attic fan is under warranty. Electric-powered fans typically have 1- to 3-year warranties. Solar fans carry warranties of up to 25 years.
• Old fan removal – Removing and disposing of an old attic fan costs $25 to $100.

Attic fan life expectancy

Attic fan life expectancy is 10 to 15 years on average. Attic fans in hot and humid climates may wear out faster.

How to determine if an attic fan is broken

Follow these steps to troubleshoot an attic fan issue:

Fan is not running

• Confirm the circuit breaker has not tripped.
• Check for blade movement when the fan is turned on. No blade movement and a humming sound may indicate a broken motor or belt.
• Try kickstarting the fan by pushing the blades manually with the fan turned on. A successful kickstart indicates a bad capacitor.
• Check the thermostat by manually switching the fan off and on. The thermostat may be faulty if the fan turns on manually.
• Confirm all electrical wiring is intact.

Fan is always running

• Check the temperature settings on the thermostat or humidistat. An attic fan running non-stop may indicate a broken thermostat or humidistat.

Fan is sluggish

• Check the intake vents and clear away any debris or obstructions.
• Confirm the attic fan and intake vents are sized correctly.

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Who repairs whole-house and attic fans?

Attic fan repairs may require more than one professional, depending on the fan type, location, and problem.

• An electrician or handyman can repair wiring issues. Hiring a handyman costs $50 to $80 per hour.
• Replacing or installing a new fan may require a carpenter to add or adjust the framework.
• An HVAC technician can troubleshoot and repair a whole-house or attic fan.
• Solar panel repairs may require a solar power professional.

Can I repair an attic fan myself?

DIY-savvy homeowners may be able to troubleshoot and make minor repairs like removing debris from the blades or replacing a belt. Replacing a fan cover is simple but requires getting on the roof. Hire a professional for complex repairs.

Hiring a professional to repair your whole-house or attic fan

Before hiring an electrician or handyman near you:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Look for professionals with experience in whole-house fan repair or attic fan repair.
• 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 contractors before hiring

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What experience do you have with repairing whole-house fans or attic fans?
• Can you tell what caused the problem?
• Should I repair or replace the fan?
• 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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