How Much Does a Whole-House Fan Cost in 2024?

Installing a whole-house fan can set you back between $720 and $2,450, with the average cost for a mid-sized home being around $1,780. However, prices can fluctuate from $500 to $2,900, depending on the brand, model, and CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. Despite the potential upfront cost of a whole-house fan, it can be a budget-friendly cooling solution, especially in the least humid US states. 

The price of installing a whole-house fan

Average cost	$1,780
Low-end cost	$500
High-end cost	$2,900
Typical cost range	$720 - $2,450

Whole-House Fan Cost Breakdown

Enhancing your home cooling and ventilation becomes a cinch with a proper whole-house fan. Have no idea how to choose one? This guide delves into the characteristics of whole-house fans that affect both pricing and customer experience.

Want to get bespoke whole-house fan cost estimates straight off and save yourself the trouble of calculating? Look no further than MyHomeQuote. Complete a small questionnaire to gain access to our contractor network and receive multiple custom-crafted quotes. 

Cost of a Whole-House Fan by Unit Type

You can spend from $1,580 to $2,100 on a new whole-house fan, depending on its type. Even though most homeowners choose an attic floor for its installation, you can go a different way. There are three other styles of whole-house fans to consider. Below, we’ll outline material costs for various models. Please note that prices exclude installation fees.

Wall-Mounted Unit

A wall-mounted fan can cost about $1,580 on average and offers a stunning alternative for homeowners who cannot fit a standard direct-mounted fan and wish to avoid creating a roof opening. However, your expenses may rise if structural modifications—relocating studs or reinforcing load-bearing walls—are necessary to accommodate the fan.

Direct-Mounted Unit

A direct-mounted fan suitable for installation onto your attic floor can run at $1,700 per standard unit. Your expenditure can soar if you have an oversized house and need a large fan to ensure maximal comfort. While a standard fan can fit between ceiling joists, a wide-format alternative might necessitate cutting the joists, meaning you will have to cover carpenter’s fees. 

Roof-Mounted Unit

If you have a flat or low-sloped housetop with limited attic space, you can go for a roof-mounted fat, which costs about $2,000. Installation of this fan type suggests creating an opening in the roof and installing a vent cover. On top of that, you may spend a penny on extra ductwork if required. 

Ducted Unit

A whole-house fan installed with six feet of concealed ductwork to channel airflow from the ceiling to the attic roof can cost about $2,100. Such a setup can help minimize the operating unit’s noise. You may fork out an additional $500 to install a gable or roof vent. 

The whole-house fan price by unit type

Unit type	Average cost
Wall-mounted	$1,580
Direct-mounted	$1,700
Roof-mounted	$2,000
Ducted unit	$2,100

Whole-House Fan Installation Cost by CFM Rating

An ideal whole-house fan should circulate the airflow within a home roughly 20 times per hour, translating to air exchanges every three minutes. The CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating specified on the unit indicates the volume of air it can move each minute. That’s why you should make allowance for it when selecting the house fan and ensure it corresponds to your home’s square footage. 

The whole-house fan cost by CFM rating

Home size (sq. ft.)	CFM rating	Average cost
1,500	6,000	$790 - $1,850
2,000	8,000	$870 - $2,000
2,500	10,000	$980 - $2,250
3,000	12,000	$1,150 - $2,450

Whole-House Fan Price by Unit Diameter

Many homeowners overlook that the whole-house fan’s diameter influences its CFM rate and pricing, determining whether you will pay $600 or $2,200. Moreover, the physical space available for installation may restrict the fan diameter you can use. When planning the project, measuring the intended installation site is essential to ensure the fan will fit. This approach maximizes the fan’s effectiveness and efficiency, providing optimal air exchange based on the specific measurements and limitations of your home’s structure.

The cost of a whole-house fan by unit diameter

Fan diameter	Average cost
20 inches	$600 - $1,530
30 inches	$780 - $1,820
36 inches	$900 - $2,200

Whole-House Fan Installation Cost by Motor Type

Whole-house fans are available with two motor types: belt-drive, which costs between $480 and $1,000, and direct-drive, which costs between $360 and $950 for materials alone. The first type operates with a belt connecting to a series of pulleys that rotate the fan. This configuration tends to be quieter, making it a preferred option for noise-sensitive environments. 

Conversely, direct-drive motors have fan blades directly attached to the motor. This design reduces the friction and energy consumption associated with belt-driven systems, resulting in lower operational costs and maintenance. However, while more affordable, direct-drive fans might not be suitable for those seeking a quieter cooling solution.

The house fan cost by motor type

Motor type	Average cost
Belt-drive	$480 - $1,000
Direct-drive	$360 - $950

Cost of a Whole-House Fan by Motor Speed

Whole-house fans are available in various models, from basic ones with single-speed or two-speed motors to more advanced versions featuring variable-speed motors. The simpler, single- or two-speed fans are typically more budget-friendly. However, more sophisticated models offer more customization opportunities. Although these advanced fans have a higher initial cost, they are more energy efficient, meaning you can keep your utility bills low while enjoying an ideal indoor temperature. 

The cost of a whole-house fan installed by motor speed

Motor speed	Average cost
Single-speed motor	$420 - $880
Two-speed motor	$740 - $1,950
Variable-speed motor	$900 - $3,500

Whole-House Fan Cost by Optional Features

Your expenditure can fluctuate depending on the additional features you incorporate into your whole-house fan, like timers, thermostats, and smart control systems. Even though these add-ons are nice-to-have things, they can boost your user experience. Thus, adding a timer to your whole-house fan can give you more control over its operation, allowing you to set specific times for the fan to run, which can help reduce energy consumption. 

A thermostat can enhance energy efficiency further by enabling the fan to operate only when the indoor temperature reaches a certain level. A smart control system can remotely control your fan using a smartphone and optimize its operation based on real-time weather conditions and your personal preferences. 

Labor Cost to Install a Whole-House Fan

Labor costs $320 to $850 to install a whole-house fan using existing wiring or $600 to $1,700 with a new dedicated circuit and switch. Labor costs increase if additional vents or framework modifications are required. Charges may also increase if the fan cannot fit into the home’s framework without extra vents or alterations. 

The whole-house fan installation costs by services

Services	Average cost
Installation using current wiring	$320 - $850
Installation with adding a dedicated circuit and switch	$600 - $1,700

Whole-House Fan Installation Cost by Related Services

When crafting a budget for your home improvement project, it’s essential to recognize that the total cost extends beyond just purchasing a whole-house fan. Various related services can influence the final bill and the effectiveness of the installation. From preparing the attic space to accommodate the fan to handling electrical requirements and ensuring that the structure and insulation of your home are optimized for airflow, each step requires professional attention. These key aspects must all be factored into the project estimate and planning. 

The whole-house fan costs by related services

Add-on services	Average cost
Roof vent installation	$250 - $750 per vent
Attic modification	$300 - $1,000+
Wiring	$220 - $940
Carpenter work	$65 - $100 per hour
Drywall repair	$200 - $800
Getting permits	$70 - $380
Insulation	$20 - $38 per roll

What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing a Whole-House Fan?

Can’t decide whether it’s a brilliant idea to equip your home with a whole-house fan? Let’s examine the project’s main advantages and drawbacks to gain some insights. 

Pros	Cons
Energy efficiency	Limited use in humid climates
Improved air quality	Noise levels
Reduced cooling costs	Installation requirements
Quick cooling	Security concerns

Whole-House Fan vs.Central AC

 When considering cooling options for your home, you need to weigh both the benefits and drawbacks of whole-house fans versus central air conditioning systems. Below, we’ll provide a detailed comparison table that highlights key aspects of each option to help you make an informed decision:

Whole-house fan	Feature	Central AC
$700 to $2,500	Initial investment	$3,500 to $7,500+
Low	Operating cost	High
Dependent on external temperatures	Cooling efficiency	Consistent cooling, regardless of outside temperatures
Less complex	Installation complexity	More complex
Does not condition or filter air	Air quality	Can include HEPA filters
Little	Maintenance	Regular