How Much Does Attic Fan Installation Cost in 2025?

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

Installing an attic fan costs an average of $625, with most projects falling between $369 and $914. Depending on the unit you choose, your location, and any add-ons, the project can run from as little as $200 to as high as $1,500.

Attic fans significantly improve your home's energy efficiency by reducing heat buildup in your attic, which can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. This excess heat can damage stored items, increase your energy bills, and shorten the lifespan of your roofing materials. Having a professional install an attic fan helps counteract these issues, keeping your home cooler and protecting your investment while ensuring the job is done properly.

Attic Fan Cost Factors

Beyond the cost of the attic fan itself, you will need to consider a few other factors, such as additional materials, labor, and the size of your attic.

Materials

Passive attic fans cost as little as $20 per unit, but depending on the type of fan you buy and how you install it, you may need to budget for additional material costs, including the following:

• Roof vents: $30–$50

• Gable-mounted vents: $10–$60

• Roofing shingles cost: $25–$35 per bundle

• Installation supplies (nails, caulk, etc.): $5–$10

• Siding prices: $3–$12 per sq. ft.

Labor

Installing an attic fan may require the expertise of more than one contractor, and labor rates vary based on the model you choose and your home's existing features.

For roof-mounted units, hire a professional roofer. Roof and ridge-mounted installations cost $45 to $85 per hour and take approximately two hours, totaling $90 to $170 in labor costs.

If your attic does not have a vent or needs modification for a gable-mounted unit, hire a carpenter. Gable-mounted installations usually involve carpentry work at an average of $70 per hour and take approximately two hours, totaling $140.

You may also need to hire an electrician to connect your electric or solar unit to your home's electrical system. Installing an electric or solar fan costs an average of $65 to $85 per hour, and wiring takes at least one hour.

Attic Size

The size of your attic will affect the unit you purchase. Larger attics will require larger, more powerful fans; cubic feet per minute (CFM) is the measurement of a fan’s power.

For example, a 1,000-square-foot attic may only need a fan rated at 700 to 800 CFM, while a 2,000-square-foot attic would need double (1,400 to 1,600 CFM). The higher the CFM, the higher the price.

Geographic Location

Areas with a higher cost of living will generally have higher labor costs for attic fan installation. The chart below shows how prices may vary by region:

Humidistat and Thermostat

Most powered attic fans come with a thermostat, costing between $150 and $400. If you purchase a separate humidistat, expect to pay between $50 and $100. Electric units without a thermostat run between $80 and $100. Since attics account for up to 20% of the average cooling bill, fans that turn on and off automatically (with the help of a thermostat) are a worthwhile investment.

More expensive models include a humidistat as well. Attic fans with this feature will help to control excess humidity, which can be a problem in colder months and cause:

• Mold

• Mildew

• Peeling paint

• Decaying shingles

• Warped beams and floorboards

Attic Conditions

The condition of your attic will also contribute to the installation cost. Contractors may increase their hourly rates if it is difficult to access your attic. If you have belongings stored in your attic, it’s smart to clear some space before your pro arrives.

If moisture has wreaked havoc on the floorboards, it might be dangerous to walk around on them. This would mean your professional will have to take extra precautions during the installation, potentially making the project take longer and more expensive.

Most pros will perform an initial inspection before they quote the work. At that time, speak with your service provider about access concerns or safety hazards.

Attic Fan Costs by Power Source

One of the largest cost factors when installing an attic fan is the unit itself. Passive attic fans are the most affordable, costing as little as $20 for the unit or up to $100 fully installed, and may not require hiring a professional. In contrast, solar attic fans or dual-powered units can cost up to $800 for the unit or $1,300 fully installed.

Passive Attic Fans

Passive attic fans cost as little as $20 per unit. Hiring a local handyperson for installation costs between $45 and $85. You can install the fan in existing roof or gable vents, but if a vent is not already in place, a roofer can install one for you.

Since passive attic fans do not require electricity or any other power source, they are cost-effective to operate. However, because they cannot connect to a thermostat, you have no control over when or how they operate.

Electric-Powered Attic Fans

Electric-powered attic fans cost between $100 and $1,000 to install, depending on the unit and mounting location. Most homeowners spend between $100 and $450.

These fans connect to your thermostat, providing greater control over their operation. You will need to hire an electrician for the installation. Keep in mind that operating an electric attic fan can increase your electric bill during hot summers.

Solar-Powered Attic Fans

Solar-powered attic fans cost between $300 and $1,300 to install. Although they are more expensive upfront, they cost nothing to operate after installation. Additionally, Energy Star-rated solar units may qualify for a federal tax credit.

Dual-Powered Attic Fans

Dual-powered attic fans use both electricity and solar power for high-efficiency operation. Installation costs range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the unit. While the fan primarily relies on solar power, the electrical backup allows it to run when there is limited or no sun exposure.

Attic Fan Costs by Mount Type

You have two options for mounting your attic fan: roof vent or gable. You can alternatively install a roof turbine to ventilate your attic.

Roof Vent

Roof- or ridge-mounted attic fans cost between $100 and $450, depending on factors like size, airflow, and power source. In addition to cooling your attic, these systems:

• Inhibit mold and mildew growth by reducing moisture

• Prevent dust and dirt from settling in your home

They are generally easier to install than gable-mounted attic fans.

Gable

Gable-mounted attic fans cost between $100 and $450, depending on size, airflow, and power source. They offer similar advantages to roof-mounted units, but manufacturers produce them in larger sizes, providing more cooling capacity for larger areas.

If an existing gable vent is present, gable-mounted units can be easier to install, as they do not require roof work or disturbing shingles. Additionally, leaks are less likely because the units are mounted on a vertical surface and covered by a roof overhang.

Roof Turbine

Roof turbines are an affordable option for attic ventilation, costing between $100 and $150 fully installed. They utilize wind energy to spin the fan, so they are technically not passive. However, they operate similarly to passive fans because they cannot connect to a thermostat for control.

One disadvantage of roof turbines is that they may allow rain to enter your attic during severe storms.

DIY Attic Fan Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing a passive attic fan in an existing roof vent can be a manageable DIY project. However, if you need to cut a hole in the roof or gable to install a fan, it is advisable to hire an attic fan installer near you. Electric fans require a licensed electrician. If your solar fan is part of a larger solar project, consider working with a solar professional.

When hiring a contractor, consult at least three professionals to find someone you trust who understands your needs and offers a fair price. Hiring a local professional ensures your attic fan is installed safely and efficiently.

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.