How Much Does It Cost to Install an Attic Fan?

Installing an Attic Fan Costs by Power Source

Are you calculating how much it would cost to install an attic fan? One of the largest cost factors is the unit itself. Passive attic fans are the most affordable (as little as $20 for the unit itself or up to $100 fully installed) and may not require hiring a professional. 

Solar attic fans or dual-powered units can cost as much as $800 for the unit or $1,300 fully installed.

Passive Attic Fans

The cost of an attic fan that’s passive is as little as $20 for the unit. If you hire a handyperson near you, carpenter, or roofer to help with the installation, expect to pay between $75 and $200, tops. Typically, you can install the attic in an existing roof or gable vents, but you may need a roofer to install the vent if it doesn’t already exist. Installing a roof vent costs between $300 and $650.

Passive attic fans don’t draw on electricity or any other power source to operate, making them cost-effective for homeowners to run. However, you can’t connect a passive attic fan to a thermostat, which means you have no control over when and how it operates.

Electric-Powered Attic Fans

You'll spend between $100 and $1,000 on electric attic fan installation, depending on your unit and where it's mounted. Most homeowners will spend between $100 and $450.

Electric-powered fans connect to your thermostat, meaning you have more control over the operation. You'll need to find a local electrician for the installation, and your electric bill can get high during scorching summers.

Solar-Powered Attic Fans

The typical solar attic fan installation costs about $300 to $1,300, fully installed. While more expensive up-front, solar-powered fans cost nothing to operate once installed. Energy Star-rated solar units may also qualify for a federal tax credit.

Dual-Powered Attic Fans

Dual-powered attic fans combine electricity and solar power for high-efficiency operation. Depending on the unit, you'll spend between $300 and $1,300 for installation. The unit will primarily rely on solar power, but the electrical option gives it the flexibility to run when there's limited or no sun exposure.

Attic Fan Costs by Mount Type

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

Roof Vent Fan Costs

Roof- or ridge-mounted attic fans range from $75 to $1,000. The price will depend on factors like size, airflow, and power source. In addition to cooling your attic, these systems do the following:

• Inhibit mold and mildew growth by reducing moisture

• Prevent dust and dirt from settling in the home

They’re generally easier to mount than gable-mounted attic fans.

Gable

Gable-mounted models cost between $200 and $1,000, depending on the size, airflow, and power source. They offer the same advantages as roof units in most ways. However, manufacturers make these fans in larger sizes, giving them more cooling capacity for larger areas.

Gable-mounted units can also be easier to install if an existing gable vent is already present. Installation won’t require roof work or disruption of shingles. Leaks are also less likely because the units exist on a vertical surface and are covered by a roof overhang.

Roof Turbine

Roof turbines are an affordable option for attic ventilation and cost between $100 and $150, fully installed. Because they utilize wind energy to spin the fan, they're technically not passive. But it's important to note that these operate similarly to passive fans because you can't connect them to a thermostat to control how they run.

However, one disadvantage to roof turbines is that they might allow rain to enter your attic in severe storms.

Attic Fan Cost Factors

Beyond the cost of the attic fan itself, you'll need to consider a few other factors, like 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 vents: $30–$60

• Roofing shingles cost: $17–$40 per sq. ft.

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

• Siding prices: $2–$12 per sq. ft.

Labor

Installation may require the expertise of more than one contractor. Labor rates vary based on your chosen model and your existing home features.

Hire a professional roofer near you to install roof-mounted units. A licensed, experienced roofer will charge between $45 and $75 per hour, and the process will take approximately two hours for a total labor cost of $90 to $150.

If your attic doesn't currently have a vent or if it needs modification to fit a gable-mounted unit, hire a carpenter to perform the work. Carpenters charge between $10 and $150 per hour, depending on their experience level. Expect to spend roughly $70 per hour for this level of work, which will take approximately two hours, for a total labor cost of approximately $140.

You may also need to hire an electrician to connect your electric or solar unit to your home's electricity source. Your pro can also mount and connect solar panels. Wiring will take at least one hour at approximately $50 to $100 per hour.

Attic Size

The size of your attic will affect the unit you purchase. Larger attics will require larger, more powerful fans; you’ll see cubic feet per minute (CFM) as 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:

• Boston: $430–$850

• Chicago: $300–$600

• Houston: $300–$730

• Los Angeles: $500–$1,450

• New York City: $330–$650

• Orlando, Florida: $350–$550

• Seattle: $650–$1,400

Humidistat and Thermostat

Most powered attic fans come with a thermostat, which controls when the fan turns itself on. These run around $100 to $300 each, and installation costs around $100. Electric units without a thermostat run between $80 and $100. 

You can buy a separate thermostat/humidistat controller for $40 to $50. 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's difficult to access your attic. It's smart to clear some space if you have things stored up there.

If moisture has wreaked havoc on the floorboards, it might be dangerous to walk around. 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. Speak with your service provider about access concerns or safety hazards at that time.

DIY Attic Fan Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing a passive attic fan in an existing roof vent is an easy enough DIY project. But if you need to cut a hole in the roof or gable to install even a passive fan, it’s better to hire an attic fan installer near you. Electric fans may require the work of a licensed electrician. If your solar fan is part of a much larger solar transformation, work with a solar professional.

When hiring a contractor, talk to at least three professionals to find someone you trust who understands your needs and offers a fair price.