How Much Does a Whole-House Fan Cost?
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Whole-house fans offer a cost-effective and efficient way to cool a home. The national average whole-house fan cost is $1,700, falling within a typical range of $900 to $2,500.
Highlights
- The typical cost range to install a whole-house fan is between $900 and $2,500, with a national average cost of $1,700.
- The main factors that affect the cost for a whole-house fan include the size of the house, the size and speed of the fan, the type of motor, the fan brand, and the cost of labor.
- Whole-house fans have numerous benefits, including fast cooling, decreased air- conditioning bills, easy installation, and quiet operation—and they improve indoor air quality.
- Installing a whole-house fan can be a complex project that can be dangerous for inexperienced homeowners; for this reason, it’s often recommended for homeowners to hire a professional to install their whole-house fan.
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A whole-house fan can improve a home’s ventilation and cooling when homeowners are faced with sweltering summer days and stuffy indoor air. Whole-house fans pull hot air out of a home and draw in cooler air from outside. This exchange provides an effective and efficient cooling method that can stand alone or work alongside an AC system to keep a home comfortable on even the hottest days. Whole-house fans improve indoor air quality by reducing moisture and pollutants. They can also help homeowners save money on energy bills and increase property value.
But how much does a whole-house fan cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the typical cost range for whole-house fan installation is $900 to $2,500, with a national average cost of $1,700. Several variables influence the price of a whole-house fan installation, including the size of the home, the type of fan chosen, and local labor costs.
In this guide, homeowners can explore the cost-influencing factors of whole-house fans in depth while learning whether a whole-house fan can be a DIY install. Money-saving tips on whole-house fan projects are also provided to help budget-conscious homeowners make the most of their installation.
Factors in Calculating Whole-House Fan Cost
Various factors can influence whole-house fan costs. Although national averages range from $900 to $2,500, local averages can vary depending on house size, fan size, motor type, and labor costs. This section explores such factors in more detail to help homeowners better understand why prices can fluctuate so much.
House Size
House size is one of the factors that has the greatest influence on whole-house fan costs. House size refers to the square footage of a home, including multiple floors. In general, a larger home will require a larger fan to cool the entire space effectively. Larger fans tend to have higher price tags.
One way homeowners decide on fan size is by using the cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating, which refers to the amount of air a fan can move in 1 minute. This rating is directly proportional to the size of a fan. Contractors often recommend multiplying a home’s square footage by 4 to determine the recommended CFM rating for the space. The following chart shows CFM ratings by home square footage with price ranges.
| Home Size in Square Feet | CFM Rating | Cost Range for Fan Only |
| 1,500 | 3,000 to 5,000 | $400 to $1,300 |
| 2,000 | 4,000 to 6,000 | $500 to $1,400 |
| 2,500 | 5,000 to 7,000 | $600 to $1,500 |
| 3,000 | 6,000 to 8,000 | $700 to $1,600 |
Fan Size
Fan size plays an important role in determining whole-house fan costs as well. As can be expected, larger fans tend to cost more than smaller options, and this is for two reasons. First, larger fans require more material to build. Second, larger fans may require more labor to install, which can increase the overall cost.
When choosing an appropriate fan size, homeowners will want to consider CFM ratings according to their home’s square footage. But other factors such as ceiling height, insulation, and the number of stories are also important to consider. For example, a poorly insulated home with low square footage may require a larger fan than a home that has a higher square footage and exceptional insulation.
Motor Type
Whole-house fans are equipped with either belt-drive or direct-drive motors. Direct-drive motors are more expensive than belt-drive, costing between $550 and $1,500 for materials. However, they offer lower running and maintenance costs because their blades are directly attached to the motor, eliminating friction that can lead to higher energy costs.
Belt-drive motors cost less, with an average price range between $200 and $600 for materials. Belt-drive motors work by utilizing a belt and a series of pulleys to turn the fan, offering another advantage against direct-drive—quieter operation. But this super-quiet fan tends to require more frequent repairs and can have higher energy costs over time.
Installing a whole-house fan?
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Fan Diameter
Fan diameter plays an important role in determining how powerful a whole-house fan is. The diameter refers to the span of the fan blades. The larger the blade span, the more air a fan can move.
Fan diameters typically range from 20 inches to 36 inches, with larger fans being more expensive than smaller units. Generally speaking, homeowners with larger homes will want to consider a larger fan to ensure it can adequately cool the space. However, a larger fan may also require more energy to run and be louder than a smaller one.
CRM ratings are typically in line with a fan’s diameter. Homeowners can expect to pay the following when it comes to fan size alone.
| Fan Diameter | CFM Rating | Cost Range for Fan Only |
| 20 inches | 4,000 | $200 to $1,300 |
| 30 inches | 6,000 | $400 to $1,300 |
| 36 inches | 7,000 | $700 to $1,600 |
Fan Speed
Basic whole-house fan models come with a single-speed or two-speed motor. These models tend to be the least expensive option.
Some whole-house fans offer more advanced options such as three-speed or variable-speed motors. These options allow homeowners to adjust the speed of a fan based on the current temperature and humidity levels inside a home, allowing for more precise cooling.
Advanced models that offer multiple speeds come with higher up-front costs. A variable-speed whole-house fan can cost up to $3,600 for materials and installation. However, the ability to adjust a fan’s speed can provide homeowners with greater energy savings in the long run.
Mounting
Homeowners have three main options when it comes to how a whole-house fan is installed or attached to their home. Several factors determine the appropriate mounting type, including the size and layout of a home, the type and pitch of the roof, and whether any existing attic ventilation systems are available.
- Direct-mounted: This option involves mounting the fan directly to the ceiling joists or trusses. It is the most common and least expensive option, costing an average $1,700 for materials and installation.
- Ducted: Ducted fans involve installing ductwork to move air from the living space to the attic and vice versa. The cost to replace ductwork can add an additional $1,200 to the overall cost.
- Roof-mounted: This type of mounting involves installing the fan on the roof of the home and may require the help of a professional roofer, which can cost around $45 to $75 per hour for installation. Roof-mounted fans can be more expensive due to the additional labor and materials required.
Brand
Homeowners have a wide range of options when it comes to whole-house fan brands. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits, along with varying price points. The following are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for the best whole-house fans.
- Look for brands that have a good reputation and a long history of customer satisfaction.
- Consider the warranty offered by each brand, keeping in mind that a longer warranty with minimal fine print is usually a sign of a higher-quality brand.
- Brands that offer a wider range of fan sizes and motor types are more likely to have an in-budget option.
- Check customer reviews and ratings for each brand and all considered models.
- Compare pricing between different brands, focusing on value over dollar amounts.
Some common whole-house fan brands with price ranges are listed below.
| Brand | Cost Range for Fan Only |
| Air Vent | $245 to $320 |
| Centric Air | $1,555 to $2,040 |
| Master Flow | $245 to $310 |
| QuietCool | $450 to $1,460 |
| Solatube | $1,000 to $2,900 |
Labor
Labor costs for whole-house fans can vary depending on complexity and job scope. More complicated installations are likely to take longer, resulting in higher labor costs. On average, labor costs range from $300 to $1,000 for a whole-house fan installation or between $50 and $100 per hour.
Labor costs can also depend on the type of contractors a homeowner needs to hire for a whole-house exhaust fan installation. Most installations require a licensed electrician to install wiring and fan switches, while carpenters are often required to cut into ceiling joists. The following are some common labor costs for homeowners to consider.
| Job Type | Labor Cost |
| Drywall repair | $300 to $880 |
| Thermostat installation | $130 to $250 |
| Roof ventilation installation | $300 to $500 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
In addition to the cost of the fan and installation, there are other costs and considerations that homeowners will want to keep in mind when taking on a whole-house fan project. Some of these may be necessary to ensure the safe and proper operation of the fan, while others may be optional upgrades a homeowner may want.
The following additional factors can affect the total cost of a whole-house fan, such as permits and inspections, alternatives to whole-house fans, customizations, insulation, electrical work, and drywall repair.
Permits and Inspections
Permits and inspections are necessary for whole-house fan installations to ensure the process meets local building codes and safety standards. One benefit of working with contractors is that they typically handle the permit and inspection requirements, saving homeowners time and stress.
The cost of an electrical permit for a whole-house fan installation can range from $10 to $500, depending on the property’s location and the project’s complexity. While permit costs are typically included in a whole-house fan installation cost, it’s recommended for a homeowner to confirm this with the contractor before the project begins. Installing a whole-house fan without a permit can lead to fines or legal issues.
Whole-House Fan vs. Alternative Options
Whole-house fans aren’t the only option for homeowners. While fans that cool like air conditioners are ideal for low-humidity climates, other cooling methods can be considered.
Central air conditioning costs between $3,880 and $7,900, making it much more expensive than a whole-house fan. Window AC units are more affordable, costing between $150 and $530 per unit, but they operate as single-room fans. Ceiling fan installation costs around $250 and can provide cooling to single rooms as well. Running a whole-house fan is much more affordable than running an AC system, with some homeowners spending as little as $5 per month on electricity for a whole-house fan.
An electrician or contractor can install an attic fan as another option. While attic fans reduce heat buildup in an attic, they don’t cool an entire home. The best attic fans typically cost between $380 and $880. Whole-house attic fans are more affordable, but they are not a full cooling solution.
Homeowners may also want to consider swamp coolers, especially in dry, low-humidity areas. Swamp coolers are often more expensive than whole-house fans, with an average price range between $1,550 and $3,750.
Customizations
One benefit of whole-house fans is that with so many features and options, homeowners can virtually customize their unit to meet their exact needs and preferences.
For example, fan-size variations allow homeowners to choose a model that can effectively cool their space without paying more than they need. Different motor types allow for different levels of operational noise and energy consumption. Speed settings offer homeowners greater control over airflow, while integrating a whole-house fan with a smart-home system can provide additional benefits.
How a homeowner customizes their whole-house fan can affect the cost of a whole-house fan installation. While avoiding unnecessary costs is important, homeowners shouldn’t limit themselves to a basic installation if it won’t meet their cooling needs.
Installing a whole-house fan?
Get a top-rated pro to do it for you. Receive free, no-commitment estimates from licensed contractors near you.
Insulation
Insulation is a material that helps to reduce heat transmission between a home’s interior and outside. Insulation may help improve energy efficiency all year long by keeping cold air inside in the summer and warm air inside in the winter.
Insulating material can also help reduce noise from the outside and from a whole-house fan system. Insulation makes it easier for a whole-house fan to keep a home cool and should be highly considered to boost the efficiency of a system.
The cost of insulation can vary depending on the size of a home and the insulation type used, but homeowners can generally expect to pay $20 to $30 per roll of insulation.
Electrical Work
Electrical work is crucial to nearly any whole-house fan installation project. It can also significantly impact the overall cost.
Depending on a home’s existing electrical setup, wiring may need to be added or moved to accommodate a new fan. It’s recommended that a licensed electrician handle any wiring work. They may also add switches or remote control units for convenience.
Homeowners can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for an electrician and an additional $85 to $200 for a new switch. Electrical costs may be factored into a contractor’s overall installation quote, though this will need to be confirmed to avoid any surprises when a homeowner is budgeting for this project.
Drywall Repair
Some whole-house fans may require the installation of vent work. While this is a simple and affordable process, it can damage or compromise existi