How much does it cost to repair an attic fan?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Attic fans are installed to circulate the air throughout the room by pulling fresh air into the attic and pushing the heated air outside. They are mostly used during summer months to cool the air when temperatures can reach significantly high levels. Fans also help push the humidity back outside before it can cause excessive moisture damage. As useful as they are, the unit can sometimes break down or experience other problems, so they will require a repair from time to time.

The national average attic fan repair cost is between $122 and $650, with most people paying around $300 to replace some more important parts like the blades or motor. At the low end of the spectrum, however, you can pay around $100 for a professional to replace a smaller part like a belt or thermostat, while at the high end you can pay up to $1,170 to have a new solar fan installed.

Attic Fan Repair Price

Attic Fan Repair Cost by Problem

Attic fan repair cost can be anywhere from $0 to $650, depending on its problem. Attic fans can last up to 15 years, but as they get older they can lose their efficiency or stop working altogether. When that happens, it's usually either an electrical problem or an issue with a specific part inside your fan. However, there are a lot of reasons why a fan may malfunction, with the most common ones being noises coming from the fan, blades not working, a blown fuse, broken thermostat, unstable mount, or the unit not working altogether.

Attic Fan Humming Noise

The solution for a humming attic fan can be as simple as reducing the speed, which costs $0 and goes up to $600 for installing a new attic fan. If your ceiling fan has only a few blades and is set to run at a high speed, it may start producing a humming noise. To get rid of this noise, you either need to run the unit at a low speed or replace it with a new one with more blades. If you go with this option, test it at the store before buying it to make sure it won’t make the same humming noise when it’s run at high speeds.

Unstable Mount

To repair a loose mount, a handyman would need to tighten the mount, which costs between $100 and $300. Sometimes, your attic fan may malfunction or not function properly because it wasn’t mounted properly. If the mount is loose, the blades won’t be able to circulate the air properly and do the job it was installed for. A loose mount can also make the whole unit unstable, which comes with other potential risks for the people in the room.

Broken Thermostat

Repairing a broken thermostat by replacing it with a new one costs between $20 and $400. Depending on whether you want to install a manual or smart thermostat, the added cost of installation ranges from $80 to $200. If your attic fan’s thermostat is not working properly, the unit won’t turn on at the right temperature. To check if this is the case, try turning it on manually. If it works, the issue is most likely within the thermostat which means it needs to be replaced.

Attic Fan not Working

When an attic fan stops working, you can expect to pay $100 to $200 to replace a thermostat, $135 to $225 for a blown fuse, and $120 to $250 to replace the motor. An additional $140 to $400 will be incurred for installation costs. You can diagnose the problem by plugging the fan into a different power outlet. If the unit works on another outlet, the issue is in the electricity and requires professional inspection. If the issue is in the thermostat, the cost to repair it will depend on the cause of the malfunction, but in some instances, replacing it would cost less than repairing it. However, if the reason for the attic fan not working is the motor, you would need to replace either the motor or the whole unit.

Blades Won’t Spin

If the belt is sagging, worn out, cracked, or broken, it would need to be replaced with a new one, costing $10 to $25. The added cost of hiring a handyman to replace it would be around $100. In some instances, you may turn on your attic fan and hear the motor running but the blades won't start spinning. This problem may be caused by the belt, so if you encounter this issue, make sure to take the outer casing of the fan and check if the belt is showing signs of wear and tear.

Blown Fuse

If a fuse is blown, it can be fixed easily by replacing it with a new one for a cost of around $95 to $125, plus $40 to $120 per hour for an electrician. The repair takes no more than an hour. One of the reasons why an attic fan won’t turn on may be because of a blown fuse within the circuit breaker, which is one of the smaller problems this type of unit may have with the electricity. To check if this is the case, open the check the circuit breaker that controls the unit.

Attic Fan Repair Cost by Replacement Part

Depending on the replacement required for your attic fan, you can spend between $100 and $650 on it. Sometimes, the repair cost does not depend on the problem but rather the part that has to be replaced to fix the problem. Below, you will find some of the most common replacement parts needed for these types of units. Attic fans can have many different issues, from electrical problems to specific part problems. Some of these parts are more easily replaced than others, so the prices vary.

Attic Fan Thermostat Replacement

Replacing a thermostat costs between $20 and $400 depending on if you want to install a manual or a smart thermostat and $80 to $200 for installation costs. To check if the problem with your attic fan is in the thermostat, you can try to turn it on and off manually. If it turns on, the problem is most likely that the thermostat doesn’t detect the current temperature in the room, so it doesn’t automatically start rotating.

Attic Fan Belt Replacement

If the attic fan belt looks damaged or is torn, you need to buy a new one for $10 to $25 and have it replaced for a flat rate of around $100 or less. If you turn on your attic fan and hear the motor running, but the blades won’t turn, the issue is probably in the fan’s belt. To diagnose this, you can open the outer casting and inspect the belt yourself or hire a handyman to do it for you.

Attic Fan Cover Replacement

Replacing an attic fan cover typically costs between $22 and $45, with labor costs ranging between $100 and $200. The exact cost depends on the cover material, the provider, and the labor rate. As its name suggests, the cover is placed on the outer surface of the fan. It’s used to protect the fan from outside damage, to prevent the cold air from entering the home during colder months or for aesthetic purposes. However, as any other part, it can start loosening up or deteriorating over time, which means that it’s time to get it replaced with a new one.

Attic Fan Replacement Blade

Attic fan replacement blade kits can be found for a cost of $22 to $38, depending on the material of the blades. You can either replace them yourself or hire a handyman to do it for $100 to $300, depending on the type of unit you have and how difficult it is to access it. If the blades stop working and are rusty, they would need to be replaced. They are replaced by unscrewing the old set of blades from the unit and tightening the new ones on the motor shaft as previously.

Fuse Replacement

Fuse replacement costs between $95 and $100 for the fuse and $40 to $120 per hour for an electrician to replace it. The repair takes less than an hour. A blown fuse is one of the smaller, but common issues electric attic fans can have. If a fuse is blown, the unit won’t turn on, which would require inspecting the circuit breaker and replacing it with a new one. While you can do it yourself, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional electrician to do the job for you.

Attic Fan Motor Replacement

The cost to replace the motor ranges from $135 for an electric motor to $230 for a solar fan motor. In addition to this, you will pay $100 to $300 for a handyman to mount the motor and $40 to $120 per hour for an electrician for installation. Replacing the motor is usually the recommended solution for attic fan motor issues because it is more cost-efficient and ensures the unit works longer. Attic fan motors typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, although some may break down after 5 years. When the motor dies, replacing it is inevitable. In many cases, motors are so expensive that homeowners replace the whole fan.

Attic Fan Repair Cost by Type

The type of fan affects the repair costs, with solar attic fan repairs costing $100 to $650. Electric attic fan repairs cost $135 to $555. While some parts cost more or less the same, there’s often a big cost difference between the repair of an electric and a solar fan, so it’s important to know how each one works and how much it costs to repair it. Below is a table showing the cost of each type of attic fan and an explanation of their common repairs along with their cost.

Solar Attic Fan Repair

The cost to repair a solar attic fan ranges from $100 to replace a broken thermostat to $650 to replace the motor. While repairing a belt costs the same (around $110 to $125) in both electric and solar fans, other parts can be fairly expensive. For instance, solar fans do not have electricity and cannot have electricity issues. However, if there is a problem with the motor, it costs up to $250 for a motor replacement and $140 to $400 for labor costs.

Electric Attic Fan Repair

The problems with an electric attic fan range from blown fuses that cost between $135 and $225 to repair to replacing an electric fan motor that costs $135, plus $140 to $420 for installation costs. As they run on electric power, electric fans cost more to run than solar fans. In addition to this, they can also have some issues with electricity, which is not the case with solar fans. However, electric fans are more efficient to cool the air off than solar fans and in some cases, can extend the life of your roof.

Labor Cost to Repair an Attic Fan

Overall, the average cost a homeowner pays to repair an attic fan is between $122 and $650, with the materials costing $22 to $250, while labor costs are between $100 and $400. The cost of materials ranges between $22 and $75 for smaller parts and $120 to $250 for bigger parts. Labor costs depend on who you hire for the job. Handymen usually charge between $100 and $300 per project, depending on the difficulty. Electricians charge $40 to $120 per hour. Roofers charge between $45 and $75 per hour to install an attic fan. During the installation, you may also need to hire a carpenter if there is no space for the fan in your gables, which costs around $70 per hour.

When doing the job, it is always recommended to hire a professional than to attempt troubleshooting attic fan issues by yourself to avoid harming yourself. Calling a trained professional saves you a lot of time because they will not have to research or second-guess their approach. They will first diagnose the problem and test to see where the repair is needed. Once they locate the broken or malfunctioning part, the professional will recommend a repair solution. Depending on the part and your agreement, you or they will get the part and repair or replace it.

Several factors impact the cost of attic fan repair, such as the brand, the type of repair, and the nature of the parts that need repairing or replacing. Different professionals charge different amounts for their labor, so make sure to get several estimates from different attic fan repair service providers. Also, keep in mind that some professionals have an extra fee for work outside of their service areas or attic fans that are harder to reach.

Attic Fan Replacement Cost

The cost of replacing an attic fan runs between $160 and $1,170. The unit costs between $20 and $750 depending on the type. Installation costs run between $140 and $420. To install it, a handyman removes the old unit and installs the new one for a flat rate of $100 to $300 depending on the condition of the fan and how easy it is to access it. An electrician needs to rewire the new unit, which costs $40 to $120 per hour, taking no more than an hour to do.

Aside from changing the type of fan (e.g., switching to a solar model), sometimes a replacement is better than repairing a broken attic fan. You can consider several factors, such as the extent of the repairs that your fan needs. If your fan has just one or two problems, the repair may be simple and inexpensive. However, if the fan has multiple broken parts, replacement may be the most cost-effective option.

In addition, changing a single part can sometimes be tricky for the worker. For instance, replacing the fan mount can be challenging. It is easy to open the fan and replace some parts; however, the physical mount is attached to the parts that hold the fan blades. So, if the mount suffers any damage, the attic fan fails to function properly and requires a replacement.

Next, ask your repair specialist about the specific parts that need to be repaired. The attic fan warranty may have expired, or a part or two has been discontinued. This makes your repair process more complicated. If your repair professional has to shop for parts, the process takes longer. In that case, you may want to think about replacing the entire fan to minimize costs and the time needed to get the attic fan running.

Attic Fan Maintenance

Regular maintenance can prevent the need for a lot of repairs. Maintenance is simple enough that some homeowners choose to do it themselves. If you take the DIY maintenance route, focus on cleaning and lubrication. First of all, check your fan for debris about once a year. Your attic fan pushes air outside and pulls air inside, so it's normal for it to pick up dirt, twigs, and other debris. Check your fan, especially the intake and exhaust portions, and remove debris regularly with a mild cleaning solution. While you're checking for debris, it's a good idea to make sure that your fan's motor is properly lubricated. Poor lubrication can make your fan's motor wear down quickly. You can find motor oil at a hardware store for $2 to $5. During your regular maintenance, make sure that you unplug or disconnect the fan for your safety. Otherwise, you risk electric shock or injury from the blades. All of that said, you can also ask your repair specialist about professional maintenance. A professional may notice details and potential problems that the untrained eye won’t spot.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Roof Vent Replacement

Replacing a roof vent costs between $200 and $500 with materials and labor included. If you have a roofer repair your attic fan, it is a good idea to have them replace the vent at the same time. The roof vents may be damaged during the repair process, so it would be good to replace them before it becomes an issue. Replacing roof vents is cheaper than repairing them because you will not have to create new vents.

Roof Vent Cleaning Service

If you have an attic fan, it is important to clean soffit vents regularly, which costs $150 to $250. Attic fans regulate temperature by drawing in cool outdoor air and pushing out the warm indoor air. However, to draw in fresh air, air vents depend on your home’s roof vents. If the roof vents are clogged with debris like leaves, twigs, nests, or similar scrap, it restricts the airflow and draws the cool air from your air conditioner. When this happens, both the air conditioner and the attic fan work harder. This results in the motors breaking down faster and causing higher electric bills.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits and licenses. If you're repairing your existing fan then you won't have to worry about permits. However, some counties require a permit for installing or replacing an attic fan. Check with your county to see if you'll need a permit.
• DIY. Some attic fan repair problems are relatively simple and can be done without the help of a professional. You can start by checking the fan for debris and making sure that your fan's motor is properly lubricated. Sometimes, cleaning out your fan and/or adding some oil is all it takes to correct a problem. Before you inspect or fix your fan, make sure that it's disconnected. Otherwise, you can risk electric shock or other injuries. If it's an electrical issue or a major problem, you should call a professional.
• Talk to your contractor. Before you hire a contractor, talk to them about the brand, make, and model of your attic fan. It's easier to get parts for some fans than it is for others. You'll want to make sure that your contractor can access the right parts quickly. Ask your contractor about the specific costs associated with your particular fan. This way, you won't risk being caught off guard.
• Fan warranty. Check the warranty on your attic fan before you decide to do repairs. Your warranty may cover repairs, but if your warranty has run out, see if a full replacement may be a more cost-effective choice.
• Home warranty. Your home warranty may not cover the cost of a repair. Attic fans aren't found in every house, and home warranty companies are often unclear about what they do and do not cover. If you do have a home warranty, it's worth the effort to ask your provider whether or not they cover this kind of repair but don't be surprised if this particular repair isn't covered in your policy.
• Energy efficiency. Although repairs and replacements can be expensive upfront, they may save you money in the long run. Not only do attic fans protect the contents of your attic, they also help keep the upper floors of your house cool. As a result, you may not have to spend as much money on your utility bills every month, especially during the summer. Because heat rises from the lower floors to the upper floors, a fan can let that heat escape.
• Lifespan. Attic fans usually last between 10 and 15 years, although some cheaper models can last only around 5 years. If your fan is especially old, then it's normal to need a repair or replacement.
• Signs. If the attic fan will not turn on, the blades are not moving, there is a lack of airflow, there is a humming or loud noise, it has a burning smell, or the attic fan will not turn off, these are all signs that there is something wrong with the attic fan that needs your attention.