How much does ceiling fan installation cost?
How much does ceiling fan installation cost?
$250 – $700 total cost to install new fan & wiring (labor & fan)
$100 – $500 total cost to replace fan (labor & fan)
$50 – $200 cost to replace fan (labor only)
Average ceiling fan installation cost
Ceiling fan installation costs $250 to $700 for the fan and labor when new wiring is required. The cost to replace a ceiling fan is $100 to $500 total or $50 to $200 for labor alone. New ceiling fan prices are $50 to $300, depending on the size and style.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Replace existing fan (labor only) | $50 – $200 |
| New standard fan price (fan only) | $50 – $300 |
| Install new indoor fan and wiring (labor only) | $200 – $400 |
| Install new outdoor ceiling fan and wiring (labor only) | $200 – $1,000 |
Cost breakdown to install a ceiling fan
| Factor | Replacement cost | New installation cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard fan | $50 – $300 | $50 – $300 |
| Installation labor | $50 – $200 | $200 – $400 |
| Total cost to install | $100 – $500 | $250 – $700 |
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Wiring – Updating or adding wiring when installing a new ceiling fan increases the labor cost.
Ceiling height – Fans cost more to install in vaulted or high ceilings because they require extra labor and equipment.
Mount – A mounting kit costs $10 to $20 and helps support the weight of the fan.
Switch – Adding a new light switch costs $100 to $300 on average.
Permits – An electrical permit costs $30 to $50 on average and up to $350 when combining multiple projects. Fan replacement typically does not require a permit, but some cities require a permit for running wire for a new fixture.
Handyman vs. electrician labor cost to install a ceiling fan
A handyman can install a ceiling fan if the existing wiring is usable. Adding or replacing wiring requires a permit and should be done by an electrician.
A handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour for labor.
An electrician charges $50 to $130 per hour.
Cost to install ceiling fan wiring
The following costs may apply when installing a new ceiling fan:
Running new wiring costs $5 to $17 per square foot when installing a fan in a spot without existing wiring.
Adding a junction box costs $100 to $300, depending on the location and accessibility. Many electricians include junction boxes in their estimate.
Adding a new circuit costs $150 to $300 on average.
Cost to hang ceiling fan downrod
A downrod pipe connects the fan to the ceiling. High ceilings require longer downrods so the fan can properly circulate the air.
| Ceiling height | Downrod length | Average cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 8’ | No downrod | – |
| 9’ | 6” | $5 – $20 |
| 10’ | 12” | $10 – $40 |
| 11’ | 18” | $20 – $45 |
| 12’ | 24” | $25 – $50 |
| 13’ | 36” | $30 – $60 |
| 14’ | 48” | $30 – $75 |
| 15’+ | 60” | $50 – $100 |
*Not including installation.
Cost to replace a ceiling fan
Replacing a ceiling fan costs $100 to $500 total on average, or $50 to $200 for labor plus $50 to $300 for a standard fan. Replacing a fan costs less than installing a new fan without existing wiring.
New ceiling fan prices
New ceiling fan prices depend on the following factors:
Indoor vs. outdoor – Indoor, dry-rated fans are typically cheaper than outdoor ones.
Type – A standard or low-profile fan costs less than directional or dual-motor fans.
Material – MDF and plastic fans are cheapest. Metal fans are more efficient but are often loud.
Lights – Most ceiling fans come with lights and typically cost more than fans without lighting.
Remotes / accessories – Ceiling fans with a remote or Wi-Fi cost $50 to $100 more than standard fans.
Ceiling fan prices by size
| Fan blade size | Room size (square feet) | Average cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 29”– 36” | < 75 | $50 – $300 |
| 36”– 44” | 75 – 150 | $50 – $500 |
| 44”– 54” | 150 – 225 | $100 – $500 |
| 50”– 72” | 225 – 400 | $100 – $600 |
*Not including installation.
Ceiling fan prices by type
| Fan type | Average fan cost* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $50 – $300 | Basic fan with lights |
| Low Profile | $50 – $300 | Flush mount, for best low ceilings |
| Hanging Propeller | $100 – $500 | Uses a downrod, best for high ceilings |
| Directional | $150 – $800 | Can be pointed in different directions |
| Rotational / dual motor | $200 – $1,500 | Dual rotating heads, best for large rooms |
*Not including installation.
Outdoor ceiling fan cost
Three safety classifications developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) indicate which fans are best for specific indoor and outdoor locations. Look for a "UL Listed" label on the fan's packaging to find its classification.
| Fan type | Average fan cost* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dry-rated | $50 – $500 | Best for indoors |
| Damp-rated | $100 – $500 | Best for bathroom, kitchen, or covered patio |
| Wet-rated | $150 – $800 | Waterproof, best for exposed decks or pergolas |
*Not including installation.
Ceiling fan cost vs. AC
Compared to a ceiling fan, the cost to install central air conditioning is $2,500 to $7,500 on average.
Ductless air conditioning costs $3,000 to $10,000 and is also called a mini-split system.
A window AC unit costs $150 to $800 for the unit alone or $300 to $1,100 with installation.
Cost to run a ceiling fan
The cost to run a ceiling fan is $30 to $250 per year or $0.10 to $0.70 per day if left on all day, depending on the fan size, energy efficiency, and local utility rates. Most fans use 0.05 to 0.20 kilowatts per hour.
Ceiling fan FAQs
How long does it take to replace a ceiling fan?
Replacing a ceiling fan takes 1 to 2 hours on average. Installing a new fan and wiring takes 2 to 4 hours.
How high should a ceiling fan be off the ground?
A ceiling fan should be 8 to 10 feet from the ground. Fans in high ceilings are installed with a downrod.
How long do ceiling fans last?
A ceiling fan lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on the usage.
What are the benefits of a ceiling fan?
A ceiling fan distributes cool or warm air, improves the energy efficiency of a home, and accentuates the style of the home.
Who installs ceiling fans?
Ceiling fans can be installed by a handyman, an electrician, or a licensed pro from a home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe's.
Getting estimates from ceiling fan installers
Before you hire a pro for ceiling fan installation near you, be sure to:
Get three in-person estimates to compare.
Check company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid hiring the company with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the job is complete. Work out a payment schedule instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
How many ceiling fans have you installed?
Can you provide references from previous clients?
What type of ceiling fan is right for my home?
Does the estimate include the fan and labor?
Do I need to replace or add any wiring or outlets?
How long will the project take?
Does the estimate include permit fees? Will you handle the permitting process?
Does the estimate include clean up after the project?
What additional costs can I expect?
How can I prepare the room for the project?
Will you provide a written estimate and payment schedule?