How much does a whole-house fan cost to install?
How much does a whole-house fan cost to install?
$600 – $2,300 average cost installed
Whole-house fan cost
A whole-house fan costs $600 to $2,300 installed on average. Whole-house attic fan prices are $300 to $1,500 for the unit alone, depending on the size and type. Installation labor costs $300 to $800 when using existing wiring or $600 to $1,600 with a new circuit and switch.
| National average cost | $1,500 |
| Minimum cost | $450 |
| Maximum cost | $3,000 |
| Average cost range | $600 to $2,300 |
*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, 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.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Whole-house fan | $300 – $1,500 |
| Fan shutters (if not included) | $40 – $200 |
| Attic fan cover | $20 – $40 |
| Insulation (1 roll) | $20 – $30 |
| Permits / inspection | $50 – $350 |
| Installation labor & wiring | $300 – $1,600 |
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.
| Job | Labor cost to install |
|---|---|
| Installation using existing attic wiring | $300 – $800 |
| Installation including a dedicated circuit and switch | $600 – $1,600 |
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.
Electrician rates are $50 to $130 per hour. Whole-house fan installation takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on if the attic has sufficient venting and wiring.
Installing a dedicated circuit and wall switch costs $250 to $900 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. 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 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.
| Home size (square feet) | CFM recommended | Average unit price |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | 3,000 – 4,500 | $300 – $1,200 |
| 2,000 | 4,000 – 6,000 | $350 – $1,300 |
| 2,500 | 5,000 – 7,500 | $400 – $1,400 |
| 3,000 | 6,000 – 9,000 | $450 – $1,500 |
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 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 {#fan)
There are three 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.
Cost to run a whole-house fan
Running a whole-house fan costs $3 to $24 per month, compared to central AC running costs of $80 to $200 per month.
| Cooling method | Cost per day* | Cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-house fan | $0.10 – $0.80 | $3 – $24 |
| Central AC | $2.70 – $6.70 | $80 – $200 |
*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.
| System | Average energy usage (Watts per hour) |
|---|---|
| Whole-house fan | 120 – 600 |
| Central AC | 3,000 – 5,000 |
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.
| Cooling system | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Whole-house fan | $600 – $2,300 |
| Central AC installation cost | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| Ductless mini-split AC installation cost | $1,800 – $10,500 |
Whole-house vs. attic fan cost estimate
Attic fan installation costs $300 to $900. 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 floor but cools and ventilates the entire home.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Use pollen- and dust-blocking screens on open windows when using a whole-house fan to allow fresh air into the home without any allergens.
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.
| Home location | Recommended CFM per square foot |
|---|---|
| Coastal and mountain regions | 2 |
| Inland region | 2.5 |
| Desert region | 3 |
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.
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.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ 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?
What is and is not included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
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?