How Much Does a Whole-House Fan Cost in 2025?
A whole-house fan costs an average of $1,700
The cost of a whole-house fan ranges between $900 and $2,400, with an average installation cost of $1,700.
The cost of your whole-house fan is affected by the motor type, fan speed, mounting options, diameter, brand, and permits.
Whole-house fans are more affordable and energy-efficient than central air conditioning systems.
Hiring a professional to install your whole-house fan is a wise investment that ensures proper functioning and optimal energy savings.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a whole-house fan costs between $900 and $2,400, with most homeowners spending an average cost of $1,700 for materials and labor.
On the low end, you might pay as little as $800 for a basic model installed by a handyperson. High-end variable-speed systems with smart technology can cost up to $3,600. Whole-house fans are an affordable and energy-efficient way to cool your home, especially in low-humidity climates.
Whole-House Fan Cost Factors
A whole-house fan is an energy-efficient system that cools your home by pulling in cool outdoor air through open windows and pushing hot indoor air out through attic vents. Typically installed in the attic, it offers a cost-effective alternative to central air conditioning, especially in low-humidity climates.
Several factors influence the cost of installing a whole-house fan, including the system itself, additional materials, and labor. Key considerations are the size of your home, motor type, fan speed, mounting method, fan diameter, brand, and any required permits. Here's how these factors affect the overall cost.
House Size
The size of your home determines the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating needed for your whole-house fan—the larger your home, the higher the CFM required. Here's how your house size influences the fan's CFM rating and the average cost range:
| House Size in Sq. Ft. | Recommended CFM Rating | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | 6,000 | $800–$1,800 |
| 2,000 | 8,000 | $900–$2,000 |
| 2,500 | 10,000 | $1,000–$2,200 |
| 3,000 | 12,000 | $1,100–$2,400 |
Labor
Labor costs range from $50 to $100 per hour, totaling $300 to $1,000 for six to 10 hours of work. The complexity of the installation may require hiring an electrician, carpenter, or drywall contractor. For safety and compliance, it's best to leave electrical work to licensed professionals. An electrician might use existing attic wiring, which can reduce costs. If a new circuit and switch are needed, expect higher labor expenses.
Depending on your fan and home setup, you might also need:
Roof ventilation installation: Costs range from $300 to $650.
Ceiling joist modification: A carpenter may need to adjust ceiling joists for installation.
Drywall repair: Budget $60 to $90 per drywall panel.
Thermostat installation: Installing a thermostat costs $115 to $265.
Motor Type
Whole-house fans come with either belt-drive or direct-drive motors. Here’s how their costs compare against each other.
| Motor Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Belt-drive | $500–$1,000 |
| Direct-drive | $350–$900 |
Belt-drive motors: These have quieter operation and a lower upfront cost. However, they have more moving parts, which can lead to more maintenance and higher long-term repair costs.
Direct-drive motors: These have a higher upfront cost but are more energy-efficient and have lower maintenance. They may be louder, but can save you money on utility bills and fan repair costs.
Fan Speed
You can usually purchase a one-speed, two-speed, three-speed, or variable-speed whole-house fan system. Variable-speed fans may have as many as five- or six-speed options. In general, the more speed you have at your disposal, the easier it is to regulate your home's temperature.
But you'll pay more for three-speed and variable-speed systems. A fully installed variable-speed whole-house fan with smart technology could cost as much as $3,600.
Mounting
How your electrician mounts the system can affect the overall labor cost.
A direct-mounted fan is installed on your attic floor. A carpenter may be needed to cut into the joists for installation.
A ducted fan uses a long (generally 6-foot) duct to aim hot air at the attic vents. This can make the system quieter and more efficient, but you may need to clear out or create attic space for this to work.
A roof-mounted fan makes sense if you have a flat roof. Hire a roofer near you to install it since it involves cutting a hole in your roof.
Diameter
Expect costs of $900 to $2,000 for a 36-inch-diameter fan that provides 7,000 CFM and $600 to $1,500 for a 20-inch-diameter fan that promises 4,000 CFM.
Brand
Most brands charge competitive prices for similarly powered whole-house fans. That said, more budget-friendly brands include Master Flow and Air Vent, while you’ll pay more for fans from Solatube and Centric Air.
Permits
You may need to obtain a permit to install a whole-house fan. Your contractor can advise if this is necessary and help you obtain one. Depending on the project, electrical permits cost between $10 and $500.
Whole-House Fan Cost Comparison
Whole-house fans aren’t right for every environment, but if you live in a low-humidity climate, you could save money by going with a whole-house fan over central AC. Here’s how whole-house fan costs stack up against other cooling methods.
Whole-House Fan vs. Air Conditioning
Fully installed, a whole-house fan ranges between $900 and $2,400, while central air conditioning costs much more at $3,900 to $7,900.
The cost to install a window AC is only $140 to $520, but you'll only be able to cool a single room, and not very efficiently. A mini-split ductless AC system costs between $2,000 and $16,400.
Whole-House Fan vs. Attic Fan
Attic fans only reduce heat buildup in your attic, but won't cool your entire home. Thus, attic fans are more affordable than whole-house fans, but you'll still need a cooling solution for your home. On average, an attic fan costs between $370 and $910.
Whole-House Fan vs. Swamp Cooler
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are ideal for dry, low-humidity environments, so they could be a good alternative to a whole-house fan. Swamp cooler prices range between $1,550 and $3,800, fully installed.
DIY Whole-House Fan Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a whole-house fan is a complex project that often involves electrical work, structural modifications, and potential roof alterations. It's best to hire licensed professionals, such as electricians, carpenters, and roofers, to ensure the installation is done safely and complies with local codes. While a handyperson might handle minor tasks, electrical work should always be performed by a qualified electrician near you.
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
A well-maintained whole-house fan lasts between 10 and 20 years. Many models come with warranties ranging from five to 15 years. Proper sizing and professional installation by licensed contractors can extend the fan's lifespan, ensuring reliable performance and preventing premature failures or costly repairs. Regular maintenance will help extend your fan’s lifespan.
Yes, whole-house fans significantly lower energy expenses compared to traditional cooling methods. By circulating cool outdoor air into your home, they reduce reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning systems, leading to lower utility bills and a rapid return on investment. Speak to your fan installer for recommendations on the optimal fan for energy savings for your specific needs.
Whole-house fans offer limited temperature control compared to conventional air conditioning. They rely on outdoor air conditions, so you can't set a precise indoor temperature. While they effectively cool your home by drawing in fresh air, maintaining a consistent temperature can be challenging during fluctuating weather at various times of the year.
Get our Angi-powered app
