How much does a whole-house fan cost to install?

Whole-house fan cost

A whole-house fan costs $600 to $2,300 installed on average. Whole-house attic fan prices alone are $300 to $1,500, depending on the size and type. Whole-house fan installation costs $300 to $800 in labor when using existing wiring or $600 to $1,600 with a new circuit and switch.

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

• A whole-house fan cools the entire home, while an attic fan only cools the attic itself.
• A whole-house fan does not reduce humidity as it uses the outside air to cool the home.

Whole-house fan installation costs

Whole-house fan installation costs $600 to $2,300 on average, depending on attic conditions and the fan size and type. The installation estimate typically includes labor, insulation, and permit costs but not a fan cover or shutters.

Labor costs to install a whole-house fan

Labor costs $300 to $800 to install a whole-house fan when using existing wiring or $600 to $1,600 with a new dedicated circuit and switch. Labor costs increase if additional vents or framework modifications are required.

The following factors affect the labor cost:

• Attic size and modifications – Some fan installations require cutting the ceiling joists, adding rafters, or adding vents.
• Roof vent installation costs $200 to $700 per vent. An attic needs 1 square foot of venting for every 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and may require more if the vents are screened or louvered.
• Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour. Whole-house fan installation takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on whether the attic has sufficient venting and wiring.
• Installing a dedicated circuit and wall switch costs $300 to $800 and is sometimes required for a whole-house fan.
• Handyman prices are $50 to $80 per hour. A handyman with electrical, carpentry, and drywall experience may be qualified to install a whole-house fan.
• Drywall repair costs $200 to $750 on average. Installing a whole-house fan requires cutting a hole in the ceiling.
• Permits cost $50 to $350 and are required for structural and electrical wiring changes.

Whole-house fan prices

Whole-house fan prices are $300 to $1,500 on average for the unit alone. Direct mounted models typically fall at the low end of the price range, while roof-mounted fans or quieter ducted fans are priced at the high end.

Other factors that affect whole-house fan prices include:

• Fan size – The fan price increases as the diameter and cubic feet per minute (CFM) increase.
• Features – Optional features like a thermostat, timer, multiple speeds, and smart functionality increase the cost but add convenience and improve efficiency.
• Motor type – A belt-driven motor costs 20% more on average than a direct-drive model.
• Winter cover – Adding an insulated fan cover during the winter months prevents heat from escaping through the fan opening. Most attic fans do not come with a cover.

Whole-house fan types

• Direct mounted fans are installed in the attic floor. Installation may require moving ceiling joists due to the fan's diameter.
• Ducted fans include a 6' long duct between a vent in the attic floor and a fan aimed at a gable or roof vent. The duct adds space between the fan and the home’s interior, providing quieter operation than direct mount fans.
• Roof-mounted fans are installed directly in the roof and may be ducted or non-ducted, depending on the house. Roof-mounted fans are ideal for flat roofs or limited attic space. Professional installation is recommended to prevent leaks as it requires cutting a hole in the roof.

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Cost to run a whole-house fan

Running a whole-house fan costs $3 to $24 per month on average, compared to central AC running costs of $80 to $200 per month.

*Average cost to run 8 hours per day

Whole-house fan energy usage and savings

Running a whole-house fan overnight instead of the AC can save $70 to $170 per month. A whole-house fan uses 70% to 90% less energy than a central AC system, depending on the motor type. Whole-house fans with electronically commutated (ECM) motors provide the most energy savings.

Whole-house vs. attic fan cost estimate

Attic fan installation costs $300 to $900 on average. Attic fans reduce the temperature in the attic, preventing structural damage caused by heat and humidity. A whole-house fan is often installed in the attic but cools and ventilates the entire home.

Is a whole-house fan cheaper than AC?

A whole-house fan costs less to install and run than central or mini-split AC systems. Running a whole-house fan during the cooler hours reduces air conditioning needs in most homes. Still, a whole-house fan cannot completely replace an air conditioner in hot and humid climates.

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Whole-house fan pros and cons

A whole-house fan improves indoor air quality and comfort by exchanging the home's air volume every 3 to 4 minutes. Whole-house fans are not ideal for hot and humid climates or areas requiring extra security because they rely on outside air drawn in through open windows.

Are whole-house fans worth it?

Whole-house fans are worth it in most homes and typically have a 1- to 3-year return on investment (ROI) due to AC energy savings. Homes in moderate climates with a significant temperature difference between the days and evenings see the most benefit.

Do whole-house fans work?

A whole-house fan effectively cools the home when the outside air is cooler than the indoor air. Whole-house fans draw in outside air through open windows and vent warm indoor air through the attic. Whole-house fans work best in the evening, overnight, and early morning.

How much does a QuietCool whole-house fan cost?

A QuietCool whole-house fan costs $500 to $3,000 installed or $450 to $1,500 for the fan alone, depending on the size, type, and motor. QuietCool offers "whisper-quiet and energy-efficient" ducted whole-house fans for attic installation and roof-mounted fans for homes without attic space.

Whole-house fan size calculator (CFM)

Select a whole-house fan size that moves 2 to 3 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air per square foot of living space. Ceiling height and geographical location also impact the required fan size. Homes with ceilings over 8 feet should size up due to the increased air volume.

Where to install a whole-house fan?

The ideal location to install a whole-house fan is in the attic floor through the ceiling at the home's center, typically in a hallway and free from obstructions. Install the fan in the uppermost ceiling of a multi-level home.

When should I run my whole-house fan?

Run a whole-house fan when the outside air is cooler than the inside air, usually in the evening, overnight, or early morning. Turn off the air conditioning when running the whole-house fan to avoid wasting energy.

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Finding a whole-house fan installer

Before hiring an electrician or handyman near you to install a whole-house fan:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Look for professionals with experience installing whole-house 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

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What experience do you have with installing whole-house fans?
• What size fan do I need for my home?
• Does the installation include a cover or insulation to prevent heat from escaping during the winter?
• Will my attic require additional vents?
• How long will the installation take?
• How long should a new fan last?
• How do I control 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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