The average cost to install an attic fan is $200 to $1,500, depending on size, power sources, and extra features.
Contrary to what their name might suggest, attic fans help to cool your whole house—not just the attic space. They pull moisture and odors from your home, too. Installing a small, passive attic fan may cost you as little as $100, but a larger solar or dual-powered attic fan can surpass $1,000.
With five different types of attic fans available, costs vary considerably and can range from $100 to $1,000. Each type of fan has different installation requirements that impact total cost.
| Fan Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Passive | $75 – $100 |
| Roof turbine | $100 – $150 |
| Attic exhaust | $100 – $450 |
| Electric attic | $100 – $450 |
| Solar | $300 – $1,000 |
| Dual-powered | $300 – $1,000 |
Passive attic fans are the most affordable, at $75 to $100. Passive fans use no electricity and work with the airflow in your home. But, because it doesn't run on electricity, a passive fan can't be connected to a thermostat, so there's no way to control its operation.
Roof turbines are more efficient than passive fans and cost $100 to $150 to install. They work with your home's airflow and spin as hot air rises and pushes against the turbine. Because a roof turbine fan doesn't use electricity, it's more energy efficient (but it cannot work with a thermostat).
And take note: In severe weather, rain may enter the attic through the turbine. So, if your area is prone to heavy rainfall, this may not be the best option.
Attic exhaust fans cost $100 to $450 to install and can be either passive or electric. Passive models cannot be hooked up to a thermostat, but they cost next to nothing to run as they don't use power. Electric exhaust fans are more efficient and have a thermostat control.
“There are many non-electrical ventilation products for the attic,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board Member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “For example, on hot days, cool air can flow in through a soffit vent and push warmer attic air out through the ridge and gable vents.”
Electric attic fans cost $100 to $450 to install. These use electricity to run and connect to a thermostat. The thermostat tells the fan motor when to engage so your home stays comfortably cool, even on the hottest days.
Because it draws power, an electric fan can ramp up your electric bill. But a quality model should be efficient and cost very little per year to operate.
Solar attic fans cost $300 to $1,000 to install. While this is pricier than many other attic fans, solar models are super efficient because they use the sun's energy instead of electricity. A solar attic fan pays for itself very quickly in energy savings.
A dual-powered attic fan costs between $300 and $1,000. This premium attic fan uses the sun's energy as its primary power source. But, if there isn't enough sunlight to adequately power the fan, it switches to electric power.
The higher the CFM rating an attic fan has, the higher the cost will likely be. To determine the appropriate size of an attic fan for your space, you'll need to consider the size and square footage of your attic. Here's a simple guideline to help you make an informed decision:
Measure your attic: Start by measuring the length and width of your attic space in feet. Multiply these two dimensions together to calculate the square footage of the space.
Calculate the cubic feet: Determine the height of your attic from the floor to the peak of the ceiling. Multiply the square footage by the height to find the cubic footage of your attic.
Find the required CFM: Find your required cubic feet by minute (CFM) by multiplying the space’s cubic footage by 0.7. Then, consider factors like roof attributes (multiply by 0.5 for steep roofs or 0.15 for dark roofs). The resulting number represents the required attic CFM for effective ventilation.
Choose the right fan: Select an attic fan with a CFM rating that meets or exceeds the calculated value. Most fan models will indicate their CFM capacity on the packaging or product specifications.
| Attic Size | Fan Size Needed |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft. | 700 CFM |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | 1,050 CFM |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | 1,400 CFM |
Keep in mind that factors like attic insulation, climate, roof pitch (or steepness), and local building codes can also influence your choice. Consult with a professional or an attic ventilation expert for personalized recommendations to ensure optimal attic ventilation and energy efficiency.
Here are the average costs to install an attic fan around the U.S.
| State | Cost |
|---|---|
| Orlando, FL | $425 |
| Raleigh, NC | $485 |
| New York, NY | $465 |
| Portland, ME | $595 |
| Chicago, IL | $455 |
| Kansas City, MO | $700 |
| Dallas, TX | $460 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $660 |
| Denver, CO | $955 |
| Sacramento, CA | $1,110 |
| Portland, OR | $765 |
If you have the skills, tools, experience, and time, you can install passive attic fans yourself and save on labor costs. You can save up to $160 on the cost of a roofer, and if you need to modify or install a vent, you can save up to $140. “Any time you install something into an exterior surface of your house, it’s very important to seal it properly,” Tschudi says. “Even the smallest opening can and will get damaged later by water, insects, and even vermin.”
But know that this is not a project for beginners, and it'll take you far longer than it would take a pro, so you're better off hiring a local roofer. Plus, if you have a powered fan, you'll need to hire a certified electrician to handle the electrical installation and hook up solar panels.
When budgeting for attic fan installation, it's useful to know how your money gets spent to uncover any opportunities to save. Or, if there's a little more room in your budget, you can plan for some enhancements.
For roof and roof ridge-mounted attic fans, you'll need a local roofing expert who generally charges between $45 and $75 per hour. Simple installations should take roughly two hours, so expect to pay between $90 and $150. If you need to install or modify a vent for a gable-mounted unit, you'll need to hire a carpenter who'll charge you approximately $70 per hour. Assuming the job is straightforward, it's reasonable to expect to pay for two hours at a total of $140.
For electric and solar units, you need a qualified local electrician for the wiring. For uncomplicated jobs, expect to pay for an hour's labor at $65 to $85.
Fans vary in price based on type and size. Expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $650 for the fan unit.
Installation supplies include:
| Supplies | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Shingles | $25 – $35 per bundle |
| Siding | Up to $100 |
| Caulking | $5 |
| Gable-mounted vents | $10 – $60 |
| Roof-mounted vents | $30 – $50 |
If you want to make the most of your attic fan installation, consider adding some of these extras:
| Extra | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Automatic shutter | $50 – $80 |
| Roof fan cap | $50 |
| Insulation | $1,700 – $2,000 |
| Humidistat | $50 – $100 |
| Thermostat | $150 – $400 |
You can install whole-house fans in a central location in the upstairs ceiling and vent it through the attic—they’ll draw hot air from the home and pull in cooler air at a rapid speed. Whole-house fans cost $300 to $1,400 or more, depending on the size and power (wattage) you need to work efficiently.
In milder climates, whole-house fans can eliminate the need for central air conditioning. They’re also more energy efficient, more cost-effective to operate, and easier to install.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Katy Willis contributed to this article.
The time required to install an attic fan can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the installation, the type of fan, and the installer's expertise. On average, a straightforward attic fan installation might take a professional installer around 2 to 4 hours. However, more complex installations or DIY projects may take longer. It's essential to follow manufacturer instructions carefully and, if unsure, seek professional help to ensure a safe and efficient installation process.
Attic fans are typically installed by professionals with expertise in HVAC systems or roofing. HVAC technicians are well-equipped to handle attic fan installations as they understand airflow and ventilation principles. Additionally, experienced roofers can install attic fans as they have knowledge of roofing structures and can ensure a watertight installation.
Hiring a professional to install your attic fan is generally recommended. Professionals, such as HVAC technicians or experienced roofers, have the knowledge and expertise needed to ensure a safe and effective installation. They can assess your attic's specific requirements, handle any electrical work, and guarantee proper ventilation without damaging your roofing structure. While it may seem tempting to undertake the installation as a DIY project, the risk of errors or safety hazards is higher without professional guidance.
Passive and solar fans don't use electricity, so these can save you money in energy costs. But electrically powered fans do cost money to keep running.
An efficient attic fan can reduce the cost of running the AC, help limit mold and fungal issues in your home, and extend the life of your roof. In which case, yes, attic fans can save you money.
Yes, you don’t have a choice with a passive attic fan. Plus, when an attic fan draws out hot air from the attic, it helps regulate the temperature of your whole home, so your AC doesn't have to work as hard.
Generally, passive fans last anywhere from 40 to 50 years, whereas electric and solar models last 10 to 15 years.
