How Much Does it Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a ceiling fan is an affordable way to enhance comfort and boost energy efficiency. Most homeowners spend around $249 on average, with typical costs ranging from $145 to $355. Your total price depends on factors like labor, fan materials, and installation complexity. Read on to see what your ceiling fan installation might cost and how hiring a professional can ensure a smooth process.

Ceiling Fan Installation Cost Breakdown

Multiple factors influence the installation cost for a ceiling fan. The cost of labor is probably the largest expense for many homeowners who hire a local ceiling fan installer, but there are other aspects to consider as well when budgeting for this project, such as the fan materials, any attached lighting elements, and whether the fan has a switch or remote control.

Labor

Expect to spend $50 to $200 on labor when installing your ceiling fan. Handypeople typically charge $50 to $150 per hour, while electricians may charge $150 for the first hour and $50 to $130 for each additional hour. Labor and materials (not including the price of the fan) range based on the installation complexity:

• Basic installations: These cost between $100 and $500 and include replacing a simple light with a fan and putting a brace in, but with already existing wiring and switches. It could also mean placing a fan in a ceiling with an open attic access above it. These can take a professional from 1–2 hours with minimal or no mess.

• Complex installations: These are big jobs that can cost up to $2,000 and often require new wiring, boxes, and switches or have limited access. These might take a professional 2–4 hours and require extra materials and cutting small holes in the wall or ceiling.

Materials

The material you choose for your ceiling fan affects the price. A wood fan might cost $100 to $400, while opting for stainless steel could run $200 to $800. Other options include plastic, wicker, or metals like cast iron and aluminum. Your choice can influence both style and cost.

Lights

Adding a ceiling fan with a light typically costs $100 to $300. If you're swapping out an existing light fixture, you can often use the same wiring and control the fan with a pull chain or remote. Want separate control? Installing a light switch costs about $100 to $200.

Switches and Remote Controls

Ceiling fan switch kits are relatively inexpensive and available at most home improvement retailers. A simple pull chain can be purchased for $5 to $15, while a wall switch with dial controls costs up to $50.

Due to the market saturation of remote control products, ceiling fans with remotes don't typically cost much more than standard fans. You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300. Alternatively, you can purchase a smart fan switch kit to add remote or app control to your existing fan. These kits cost $30 to $100.

Ceiling Fan Installation Cost Factors

Cost factors include what wiring is needed and whether you install multiple fans at the same time. You'll also want to consider what type of ceiling fan you want based on your home's style and energy-efficiency goals.

Installing Wiring

If there's no existing wiring, installing a ceiling fan becomes a more extensive project. A pro will need to open up walls, run wires, install boxes, and handle the final connections at the junction box. This kind of installation can cost up to $2,000.

Installing a ceiling fan with existing wiring costs $100 to $300 on average for a basic install, though some units run around $1,400 for designer-level comfort and style. To do this, a pro installs the unit on an existing light box. Then, they place a brace in the ceiling if the box isn't rated to hold the weight of the entire unit. While less expensive, you won't have your light and fan on separate switches. To get switch power, you'll need to run another line and add a larger box and switch.

Another option is to purchase a fan with a remote control to operate the light and fan separately without installing additional wiring. Most range between $150 and $300 without installation.

Multiple Fans

Thinking of installing more than one ceiling fan? You might spend between $200 and $600 for two fans, though high-end models can push costs up to $4,000. Installing multiple fans at once can save you money on labor and materials.

• First-hour rates: Electricians often charge one-and-a-half to two times their hourly rate for the first hour of service to cover travel fees. So, you'll save around $50–$100 if you have more than one done at the same time.

• New circuits: If you're putting in two in the same room, you'll pay less to run the wires since it'll only mean opening one set of holes to run the wires for both units. It also means only one set of switches and one switch box, reducing both materials and time.

Type of Fan

There are a lot of fans to choose from on the market, from your tried-and-true standard or low-profile models to smart fans for more tech-savvy homeowners. Here are some common types of ceiling fans and how they may impact the cost:

• Energy Star: Energy Star-certified ceiling fans are 60% more efficient than conventional fan/light units and reduce utility bills compared to non-Energy Star models. These are usually priced around $200–$300 but typically make up for the slight additional cost in long-term energy savings.

• Standard: These are the most common type of ceiling fan, typically hung from the ceiling with a downrod. Standard fans are generally cost-efficient and come in various colors, styles, and price ranges. Standard ceiling fans cost $50–$300.

• Low-profile: Low-profile fans are flush against the ceiling, giving you more space below the fan to walk around or place furniture. Similar to standard models, these fans are popular and budget-friendly, costing $50–$300, though that price increases (sometimes as much as double) for models with intricate lighting.

• Smart: Like other smart home products, you can control smart ceiling fans via a phone app. These fans typically cost around $120–$400 but can cost over $1,000 at the high end.

• Dual-motor: These fans circulate air even better than the other types due to their ability to blow simultaneously in two different directions. These fans usually cost more than most other types and typically range from $350 to $1,850.

Cost to Replace a Ceiling Fan

Replacing a ceiling fan costs between $100 and $275 if you do it yourself. Hiring a handyperson can cost as low as $60. You won't need any wiring or supports since it'll be a simple pull and replace. It’s a great time to upgrade the wiring and reinforce the supports behind it, but not usually necessary.

Repairing a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fan repairs cost $80 to $200 on average. You might save a little by repairing what you have rather than replacing it. Often, this process involves putting new parts in but saving the overall unit.

Ceiling Fan vs. AC

Ceiling fans cost $250 on average to install, including the unit, which is 4% of the cost of installing a central AC system. In addition, a ceiling fan is far less costly to run.

Even if you put six ceiling fans in at a total of $1,500 to $2,000, that's about 25% of the price of putting in an air conditioner. Compare this to the cost of installing central air or a ductless AC system:

• Installing central air conditioning costs $3,800–$7,600.

• Installing ductless AC costs $2,000–$14,500.

Benefits of a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans offer several advantages:

• Cost-effective cooling: Ceiling fans are cheaper to install and run than central air conditioning. If you're cooling a single room, you can cut your utility bills and reduce energy consumption.

• Enhance your decor: With a variety of shapes, colors, finishes, and styles, ceiling fans can complement your home decor or even serve as a stunning centerpiece, especially models with integrated lighting.

• Better air circulation: Good airflow not only keeps you comfortable but can also improve indoor air quality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fans can enhance ventilation and help reduce the spread of airborne viruses.

DIY Ceiling Fan Installation vs. Hire a Pro

Unless you're experienced with electrical work, installing a ceiling fan yourself can be risky. Wobbly or drooping fans are often the result of improper installation. A professional will ensure the ceiling fan is wired correctly, supported properly, and leveled to reduce vibrations. To avoid potential hazards, consider hiring a ceiling fan installer, handyperson, or electrician.

Electricians typically cost $150 for the first hour and $50 to $130 for each additional hour. Many offer flat rates for ceiling fan installation, usually between $200 and $300. For a straightforward replacement, a handyperson might be more cost-effective. A handyperson charges around $50 to $150 per hour. However, for any work involving new wiring or electrical components, it's best to hire a licensed electrician.

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. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project 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.