Updated: January 23, 2026
Written by Dan Simms
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.
Learn moreReviewed by Laura Madrigal
The average cost to install a whole-house fan is $1,700, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $900 and $2,600 for the unit and labor. Your total will depend on the type of fan you install, the size, and how complex the installation is.
A whole-house fan is installed in the ceiling of your main living space and moves air from inside and up to your attic, where it can then vent outside. With windows open, it draws in cooler outside air, making it a cost-effective way to reduce heat and humidity. They’re especially popular in hot, humid climates where they can reduce AC use during milder evenings.
Cost to Install Whole-House Fan
Whole-House Fan Cost Factors
Several factors affect whole-house fan cost. The fan’s type and capacity determine the unit price, while installation complexity, attic access, and whether you’re replacing an existing unit impact labor.
Whole-House Fan Cost by Home Size and Capacity (CFM)
Whole-house fans should cycle air every 2–3 minutes, so sizing is based on square footage and ceiling height. Fan capacity is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), and the Department of Energy recommends at least half your home’s cubic feet. Multiply your square footage by ceiling height (usually 8 ft) to estimate.
Higher-CFM fans cost more, and sizing properly avoids wasted expense and poor performance.
Home Size (Square Feet) | CFM Needed (Assuming 8-ft Ceilings) | Average Cost |
1,000 | 4,000 | $600 – $2,200 |
1,500 | 6,000 | $700 – $2,300 |
2,000 | 8,000 | $800 – $2,400 |
2,500 | 10,000 | $900 – $2,500 |
3,000 | 12,000 | $1,000 – $2,600 |
Whole-House Fan Price by Motor Type
In addition to the type and capacity of your whole-house fan, you’ll have options for two different kinds of motors: direct-drive and belt-drive motors.
Direct-drive motors are less expensive upfront because they use simpler components. They require less maintenance, but they are often louder.
Belt-drive motors use a separate motor that runs a belt to spin the fan blades. They’re more expensive upfront and need more upkeep, but they’re much quieter and might be better if you want to minimize interior noise.
Motor Type | Cost (Unit Only) |
Direct-drive | $350 – $900 |
Belt-drive | $500 – $1,200 |
Cost of Whole-House Fan by Mounting System
There are three main types of whole-house fans, and your installation costs will vary based on the type you choose.
Direct-mounted: A direct-mounted fan sits between joists that separate your living space from your attic. This pulls air directly from your living space and sends it upward, where it can then escape from attic vents. Direct-mounted whole-house fans are the most common option.
Ducted: Ducted whole-house fans are good for retrofitting an existing home since you won’t need to make structural changes. However, the ductwork can add between $300 and $1,200 to your total.
Roof-mounted: A roof-mounted whole-house fan sits in your roof and ports air directly outside from your attic. This is an option if you don’t have attic vents installed, but it’s more expensive to install and comes with the highest risk of leaks.
Type of Fan | Average Cost |
Direct-mounted | $1,400 – $2,000 |
Ducted | $1,800 – $2,400 |
Roof-mounted | $1,800 – $2,400 |
A wall-mounted attic fan costs about $1,600 and cools only the attic. It’s not technically a whole-house fan, but can still help reduce heat in the living space indirectly.
Whole-House Fan Costs by Diameter
Fan diameter typically scales with CFM, so sizing is usually determined by capacity rather than diameter. However, ceiling joist spacing can limit diameter. If joists are 24 inches on center, you may only fit a 20-inch fan without structural work, which can significantly increase costs.
Whole-House Fan Diameter (Inches) | CFM Rating | Average Cost |
20 | 4,000 | $600 – $2,200 |
30 | 6,000 | $700 – $2,300 |
36 | 7,000 | $750 – $2,550 |
Whole-House Fan Installation Cost
On average, you can expect the labor cost to install a whole-house fan to fall somewhere between $300 and $1,000. New installations often require wiring, which pushes costs toward the higher end. Additionally, complex structural changes or limited attic access can also increase labor, while replacing an existing unit in an unfinished attic can lower costs.
Whole-House Fan vs. AC Cost
Installing a whole-house fan costs an average of $1,700, while installing a new AC system costs an average of $6,000, with prices climbing as high as $38,000 in some cases. A whole-house fan isn’t a replacement for AC, but it’s cheaper to run and can reduce AC usage, saving on energy and maintenance.
A whole-house fan is much cheaper to operate. Running a whole-house fan for 24 hours costs about $0.48 to $2.64, compared to $4.19 to $20.96 for central AC. In the right climate, a whole-house fan can pay for itself through energy savings, though the payback period varies based on climate, comfort needs, and equipment efficiency.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Several add-ons can affect your total costs:
Electrical work: If you don’t already have wiring in place, an electrician may need to hardwire the unit. This typically adds $50 to $130 per hour, and most installations require 1 to 2 hours.
Ventilation and louvers: Whole-house fans need attic vents to exhaust air properly. If your attic lacks adequate vents, adding or replacing them can cost $300 to $650.
Permits and inspections: Some municipalities require permits for electrical or structural work. If your installation includes new wiring, venting, or ceiling modifications, you may need to pay permit fees and schedule inspections.
Drywall and finishing: If installation requires cutting into drywall or framing, build-back costs can add $300 to $900, depending on the extent of repairs. Minor drywall patches typically cost under $100.
Geographic location: Labor rates vary by region, with higher costs in major metro areas.
Variable speed: A variable-speed motor can run at multiple speeds for better efficiency and quieter operation. These units usually cost more upfront, but they can lower long-term energy bills and improve comfort.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Labor costs to install a whole-house fan total between $300 and $1,000, so you could save that much if you DIY. However, in many areas, DIY electrical work is illegal. Replacing an existing fan may be feasible for experienced homeowners, but professional installation ensures correct sizing, safe wiring, and proper ventilation. Overall, it’s always worth hiring a professional, as they will keep you and your home safe and also ensure your fan is sized properly with good ventilation.
How to Save Money on Installation
Installing a whole-house fan can get expensive, but there are a handful of things you can do to reduce costs both upfront and over time.
Size your fan properly: Installing a fan that’s too small won’t cool your home efficiently, but installing a fan that’s too large will cost more in installation and running costs.
Make sure attic vents are air-tight: Good vents and tight louvers prevent air loss, which helps your fan run more efficiently and keeps heating and cooling costs down year-round.
Take advantage of rebates and incentives: Check with your utility or local government for rebates, tax credits, or other incentives—especially for ENERGY STAR-certified units.
Choose a fan with a direct-drive motor: Direct-drive fans cost less upfront and require less maintenance than belt-drive models, making them the more affordable long-term option if noise isn’t a concern.
Get multiple quotes: Comparing at least three estimates helps you find the best value and ensures you’re not paying more than necessary for the same scope of work.
FAQs
Electricians can usually install whole-house fans, especially if you already have the space to house one between your ceiling joists or in your attic space.
Whole-house fans can be worth the cost and often even pay for themselves, but it depends on a few factors. They’re most worth it in areas that see cool temperatures at night, but they can also provide other benefits that make them worthwhile, like reducing the wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Installing a whole-house fan costs an average of $1,700, and most homeowners can expect to pay somewhere between $900 and $2,600. Your cost will depend on the size and capacity of the fan, among other factors.
Whole-house fans consume between 120 and 600 watts, on average, which means they cost between $0.48 and $2.64 per day to run if you have them running all day. More often, homeowners will run them just at night, which would cost between $0.16 and $0.88 per day.