How Much Does It Cost to Install a Bathroom Fan in 2025?
Installing a bathroom fan costs an average of $396
Installing a bathroom fan costs between $240 and $564, with most homeowners spending an average of $396.
Fan prices vary based on size, CFM rating, and special features like lights or heaters.
Labor costs, bathroom size, and whether it's a new installation or replacement impact the total cost.
A bathroom fan removes excess moisture and odors, preventing mold and mildew.
Hiring a fan installation pro ensures a safe, code-compliant installation and optimal functioning.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Excess moisture from steam can lead to mold and mildew over time, damaging your bathroom. That's why installing a bathroom exhaust fan is a smart investment. The cost to install a bathroom fan ranges from $240 to $564, with most homeowners spending an average of $396. Hiring a professional to install your bathroom fan ensures the job is done safely and correctly. Key cost factors include labor, your bathroom's size, and whether it's a new installation or a replacement.
Bathroom Fan Installation Cost Factors
Many factors influence the cost to install a bathroom fan and here’s a look at how they break down to determine your total.
Room Size and CFM
The average bathroom fan price varies from $20 to $500, depending on the unit’s CFM (cubic feet per minute), which measures the fan’s ability to move air. An exhaust fan rated between 40 and 79 CFMs costs $20 to $250, while a fan rated at 150 to 200 CFMs can range from $100 to $500.
| Bathroom Size (Sq. Ft.) | CFMs Required | Average Unit Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 40–79 | 40–79 | $20–$250 |
| 80–99 | 80–99 | $50–$325 |
| 100–149 | 100–149 | $55–$400 |
| 150+ | 150+ | $100–$500+ |
Your bathroom's size determines the CFM rating your fan needs. Generally, you need at least one CFM per square foot, but opting for a higher CFM ensures better ventilation. Larger bathrooms require fans with higher CFM ratings.
If your bathroom is over 100 square feet, you should instead calculate CFMs by the number and type of fixture:
Bathtub: 50 CFMs
Shower: 50 CFMs
Toilet: 50 CFMs
Jetted tub: 100 CFMs
For example, a bathroom with a stand-up shower, toilet, and jetted tub would need a fan with at least a 200 CFM rating, while a bathroom that’s more than 100 square feet with only a standard bathtub and toilet would need a fan with at least a 100 CFM rating.
Note: If a toilet is separated from the rest of the bathroom by a door, it’s a good idea to install a separate exhaust fan above the toilet; 50 CFM should suffice.
Fan Features
A basic bathroom fan can cost as little as $20, but special features like motion sensing can significantly raise the price.
| Fan Feature | Average Unit Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic | $20–$50 |
| Light | $40–$330 |
| Heater | $90–$280 |
| Timer | $100–$300 |
| Humidity sensing | $100–$400 |
| Adjustable speed | $90–$380 |
| Light and heater | $50–$370 |
Labor
Labor costs for installing a bathroom fan range from $200 to $800. Electricians charge between $50 and $130 per hour, and an experienced handyperson or licensed electrician is usually the best choice for installation. If you need new ductwork, an HVAC specialist can handle the job.
Replacement or New Installation
Replacing an existing fan means using existing wiring and ducts for ventilation. For a replacement, plan on covering the fan cost plus an additional $100 to $400 in labor. If you're installing a fan in a bathroom for the first time, an electrician must provide new wiring.
Installing Electrical
When installing a bathroom fan where one doesn't currently exist, an electrician will have to cut a hole for it and add new wiring. On average, this will take two to four hours, but it could take longer depending on your home's structure.
Installing Bathroom Vents and Ducts
Duct installation costs between $450 and $2,190, depending on the location, home size, and the time it takes.
Ductwork isn't necessary for every bathroom fan installation. Wall-mounted fans don't require ductwork, and even if you're installing a ceiling insert exhaust fan, most bathrooms already have a vent access through the roof, a wall, or both. However, you'll need to install ductwork if there's no vent access.
Sones Rating
Sones measure a fan's noise level—the lower the rating, the quieter the fan. Quieter fans tend to be more expensive, costing up to $500 for ratings below 0.5 sones. For moderate quietness, aim for a fan rated at two sones or less.
| Sones | Average Unit Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | $70–$350+ |
| 1 | $20–$200 |
| 2 | $20–$90 |
| 3 | $20–$60 |
| 4+ | $20–$50 |
Bath Fan Installation Cost by Type
The price of a new bathroom exhaust fan can range from $20 to $400 for a ceiling insert, $20 to $350 for a wall insert, and $100 to $310 for an inline fan.
If you’re replacing an existing fan of the same type, your overall bathroom vent installation cost will be lower because there shouldn’t be any drywall work, major rewiring, or new ductwork necessary.
When designing a new bathroom, you can choose the type of exhaust fan you prefer without additional cost implications.
| Fan Type | Average Unit Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ceiling insert | $20–$400 |
| Wall insert | $20–$350 |
| Inline | $100–$310 |
Ceiling Insert
A ceiling-mounted bathroom fan costs an average of $20 to $400. Because hot, steamy air rises, a ceiling insert fan is an efficient choice for removing air from most bathrooms. These models suck moist air into ductwork that vents to the outside, either through the roof or a wall.
Bathroom vent installation costs vary depending on whether you opt for a wall installation or a roof installation. Wall installations cost between $250 and $800, while roof installations cost between $350 and $950.
Wall Insert
Expect to pay between $20 and $350 for a new wall-mounted bathroom exhaust fan. Wall insert exhaust fans are sometimes ideal because they usually work on an outside wall, and the air is released outside without relying on ducts for ventilation. A wall-mounted exhaust fan is often an efficient solution if a roof ventilation path isn't available.
Inline
The average price of residential inline bathroom fans ranges from $100 to $310. These fans sit deeper within your house's ductwork. Sometimes, a single inline fan can ventilate multiple bathrooms at once. They may also be quieter in operation but require more time and skill to install.
DIY Bath Fan Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a bathroom fan involves electrical work and possibly ductwork, making it a job best left to a pro if you're not experienced in these areas. Contact electricians near you for quotes—they can advise on the right fan and handle the installation safely.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensed electricians typically install bathroom exhaust fans, ensuring safe wiring and code compliance. If new ductwork is needed, an HVAC specialist handles the venting. A handyman may suffice for simple replacements, but new installations should involve a licensed electrician to ensure a safe and effective installation that lasts for years to come.
If you’re replacing an existing fan, purchase a fan with the same dimensions so you won’t have to make any additional cuts in your ceiling or wall to accommodate it.
Pay attention to the fan’s CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. A larger bathroom generally benefits from a larger CFM rating. At a minimum, you need one CFM per square foot.
You’ll also want to look for the fan’s sones rating, which measures how loud the fan will be during operation. Higher numbers indicate louder fan operation. To keep things quiet, look for two sones or fewer.
Installing a bathroom exhaust fan takes two to four hours when new wiring and ductwork installation are required. For a simple replacement that involves no extra modifications, the process takes one hour or more. This installation ensures all electrical and ventilation requirements are met and provides optimal airflow to your bathroom.
Bathrooms with windows do not automatically require an exhaust fan if natural airflow sufficiently reduces humidity. However, relying solely on a window does not guarantee consistent moisture removal. An exhaust fan actively ejects humid air, preventing mold growth and damage to surfaces. Installing a fan ensures reliable and continuous ventilation regardless of window size or weather conditions.
Bathroom fans last 10 years with proper upkeep. Regular cleaning and prompt repairs extend the life and efficiency of the fan. When signs of aging, such as increased noise or persistent odors, emerge, the fan must be replaced promptly to maintain optimal ventilation and safeguard your bathroom from moisture-related damage.
Local building codes mandate that all bathrooms maintain proper ventilation through a fan or window system. Verifying these requirements before installation is essential to ensure safety and code compliance. Hiring a licensed professional ensures that your installation meets all local regulations, thereby reducing the risk of moisture-related damage and potential fines.
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