How Much Does It Cost to Install an Attic Fan? (2024 Update)

Temperatures in your attic can reach well over 100 degrees, so it’s worth the effort to find ways to cool it down. An attic fan is a perfect solution, but many people want to know how much it costs to install one. The average cost of a ceiling fan in 2023 is about $650, but it can vary considerably based on several factors. If you are thinking about installing one of these units in your home but want to know more about them, keep reading as we discuss the different factors that affect the cost and what benefits you will receive from having this type of fan.

The Importance of an Attic Fan

It can get quite hot in your attic during the summer months, with temperatures often climbing to 150° in some areas. These high temperatures can damage anything that you have stored in there, and they can significantly impact how easy it is to keep your home cool. Temperatures over 130° can cause your shingles to age prematurely, which means you might need a new roof sooner than you thought. Other reasons to get an attic fan include a reduction of moisture and condensation, as that can lead to mold, and the additional ventilation will help remove gases and odors that can accumulate in the attic. These fans can even help in the winter because heat trapped in the attic can cause ice dams, which can occur when the heat causes snow to melt and freeze again, preventing additional snow from melting. Snow dams can cause a leaky roof.

How Much Does an Attic Fan Cost?

The final cost of an attic fan can vary considerably depending on the type of installation you choose and your attic setup. In some cases, you might be able to install the fan for as little as $250, especially if you are handy and can do most of the work yourself, while other people with special circumstances can spend as much as $1,200.

Fan Cost

The first thing that you will need to consider when trying to find out how much it will cost to install an attic fan is what fan to buy. There are many brands available that run from $70 to $700, with most units costing about $200.

Type of Installation

The type of installation that you require will have a big impact on the final cost. The two main types are wall mounted and ceiling mounted. Wall-mounted fans are usually cheaper to install because you don’t need to worry about removing and replacing shingles and other roofing materials. Some attic walls already have vents that you can use for the fan, which can help reduce costs even more. A ceiling fan will require you to remove shingles, put a hole in your roof, install a base for the fan, and replace the shingles.

Timing of Installation

One thing that can impact the final cost of your attic fan is when you install it. The best and cheapest time to install an attic fan is when you replace your roof. The workers are already doing much of the work needed to install the fan, so you can often tack it on for as little as $200 to $400.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

Labor

Consider the labor costs once you know what type of fan you want to use and where you will install it. Since these fans usually run on your home’s electricity, you will need to hire an electrician to come out and install the circuit. In some cases, one person can do the entire job, like when you purchase a package deal from a big home improvement center. However, you might need to hire someone to do the construction and someone else to wire the circuit.

Thermostat

Having a thermostat with your system will enable the unit to automatically turn on when it detects that the temperature is rising too high and it will shut off when the temperature is back in an acceptable range. It helps maintain an even temperature without wasting any electricity.

Humidistat

A humidistat will detect the amount of humidity in your attic and turn the fan on when it gets too high, which will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. It can also help prevent any wood from swelling or warping.

How Long Will My Attic Fan Last?

An attic fan has an average lifespan of about 15 years, which may or may not coincide with how long your roof lasts. Most roofs will need replacing every 10–25 years, depending on what shingles you have and your environment.

How Can I Make My Attic Fan Last Longer?

You can get the most life out of your attic fan by hiring an HVAC technician to inspect it yearly. The technician will check it for damage and tell you when it’s starting to get worn out. These professionals will also clean the shutters and fan blades and lubricate the oil ports so the fan runs as it should.

Conclusion

Most attic fans will usually cost about $650; that includes paying for the fan and hiring people to install it. Large fans will cost more money than small ones but can move more air. Some may also include features like a thermostat and humidistat, which can increase the price but are well worth it because manually turning them on and off is often not effective and usually wastes power. Installing the fan in your roof while you’re replacing the shingles can be a great way to save on costs, but repairing damage to these systems can be more expensive because you often need to remove and replace tiles.

Featured Image Credit: Volodymyr Kyrylyuk, Shutterstock