Attic Fan Costs
Attic fans are a mostly functional choice for doing ventilation. They remove hot and/or humid air from the attic space, providing for longer roof life and reduced energy load on other HVAC systems of the house.
You will find that the typical cost of a fully installed average attic fan will vary by motor rating, fan dimension, mounting type, overall finish quality, and the labor rate. There are passive-powered solutions (wind) and traditional electric-motor types.
In the following tables the Labor Cost figures are what the able DIY persons should expect to save by performing the complete installation.
Attic vent: wind powered spinning-turbine head, attic up to 800 sq.ft.
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12" diameter vent: no motor, 1250 CFM (with high wind), galvanized steel, roof-mounted. | $39 | each | 1 | $39 |
| + Labor Cost | $116 | each | 1 | $116 |
| Total Cost | $155 | each | 1 | $155 |
Attic fan: gable mount, louvers, attic of up to 25' x 100' = 2500 sq.ft.
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15" diameter fan: with thermostat and wildlife screen, 115VAC, 1300 CFM, aluminum/steel. | $149 | each | 1 | $149 |
| Humidity switch: starts fan at humidity set-point. | $39 | each | 1 | $39 |
| Material Cost | $188 | each | 1 | $188 |
| + Labor Cost | $87 | each | 1 | $87 |
| Total Cost | $275 | each | 1 | $275 |
Attic fan: roof mounted, dome shape; attic up to 32' x 75' = 2400 sq.ft.
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15" diameter fan: with thermostat and wildlife screen; 115VAC, 1250 CFM; galvanized steel. | $109 | each | 1 | $109 |
| Humidity switch: starts fan at humidity set-point. | $39 | each | 1 | $39 |
| Material Cost | $148 | each | 1 | $148 |
| + Labor Cost | $138 | each | 1 | $138 |
| Total Cost | $286 | each | 1 | $286 |
Attic fan: gable mount, louvers, attic of up to 32' x 50' = 1600 sq.ft.
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14" diameter fan: with thermostat and wildlife screen, 115VAC, 1020 CFM, aluminum/steel. | $165 | each | 1 | $165 |
| Humidity switch: starts fan at humidity set point. | $39 | each | 1 | $39 |
| Material Cost | $204 | each | 1 | $204 |
| + Labor Cost | $87 | each | 1 | $87 |
| Total Cost | $291 | each | 1 | $291 |
Attic fan: gable mount, louvers, attic of up to 30' x 100' = 3000 sq.ft.
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15" diameter fan: with thermostat and wildlife screen, 115VAC, 1600 CFM, aluminum/steel. | $195 | each | 1 | $195 |
| Humidity switch: starts fan at humidity set-point. | $39 | each | 1 | $39 |
| Material Cost | $234 | each | 1 | $234 |
| + Labor Cost | $87 | each | 1 | $87 |
| Total Cost | $321 | each | 1 | $321 |
Other considerations and costs
- During summer the attic fan will help cool the building and reduce A/C operation.
- During winter the fan will remove humidity, extending the life of the roof and attic.
- Taxes and permit fees are not included in these prices.
- The installer must have the proper electrical and mechanical installations tools.
- The installer must work safely atop a ladder, and be able to make necessary modifications and connections to an appropriate electrical circuit that passes near the fan location.
DIY considerations
- Other situations that require structural modifications of the building, or more extensive installations throughout the building, or new electrical circuitry are much more appropriate for professional service.
References
- Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2015.
- Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
- Literature review of DIY Web sites.