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How Much Does Whole House Fan Installation Cost?

An insightful look at the cost to install a whole house fan. Learn about equipment features and other factors that could affect the total price.

How Much Does Whole House Fan Installation Cost?
Photo of James Thompson
James ThompsonHVAC Editor · 3 min readFormer licensed contractor turned writer, covering roofing, HVAC, and the trades with a builder's eye for quality.

Whole house fan installation is a complex project that usually involves both carpentry and electrical work. A whole house fan operates during the night to provide substantial cooling throughout your home. It offers an affordable alternative to central air conditioning systems. This type of fan works by drawing cool nighttime air into the building while windows are open. It collects heat in the attic and exhausts this air through vents. 

How Much Does It Cost To Install a Whole House Fan?

The largest expense involved in this project is the fan itself. This machine sells for around $380 on average. You'll also need to pay for various materials required in the setup process, such as:

  • hardware
  • an electrical outlet
  • vents 
  • insulation
  • pest screens 
  • noise-reduction gaskets 

These items increase the price by about $60. Labor also raises the cost to a substantial degree. The average homeowner spends approximately $335 to pay a professional installer's wages. The average cost to install a whole house fan stands at $800. However, some clients can pay as much as $1,000 to complete the installation.

Whole house fans can keep your entire home cool, and are much cheaper to run compared to an AC unit. Due to the complexity of whole house fan installation, homeowners are recommended to contact professionals in their area to compare quotes and complete this specialized project.

Important Considerations

Numerous factors influence the total cost of this service, such as:

  • access to attic
  • noise output level
  • new or replacement
  • number of speeds

Whole house fan installation frequently involve changes to the attic structure, new vents and electrical or thermostat wiring. In most ways, it's less expensive to replace a whole house fan than to install one for the first time. On the other hand, replacement projects necessitate the disposal of a defunct unit.

Significant factors also include the fan's quality, features and CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. A higher CFM number means that it's more powerful. The appropriate rating depends on your home's size and location.

The price is likely to be relatively high if you ask for a fan with multiple speeds and/or a thermostat. Units with belt-drive mechanisms generate less noise, but they also increase the cost. Another important consideration is the accessibility of your attic. For example, installers can work more quickly if there happens to be a stairway leading to this room.

The prices listed above are based on data from across the country, and the actual expenses will differ depending on where you live. Urban areas often have higher costs. Travel, equipment, hardware and/or tax expenditures may also be higher. The local demand for whole house fans installation affects pricing as well; they're more popular in regions where people don't have central air conditioners. 

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