How Much Does it Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan?

Ceiling Fan Installation Cost Breakdown

Multiple factors influence the installation cost for a ceiling fan. The cost of labor is probably the largest expense for many homeowners who hire a local ceiling fan installer, but there are other aspects to consider as well when budgeting for this project, such as the fan materials, any attached lighting elements, and whether the fan has a switch or remote control.

Labor

Labor costs make up around $50 to $200 of the price. A handyperson costs around $25 to $50per hour, while a licensed electrician ranges from around $50 to $100 per hour. Fees vary based on how hard the ceiling fan is to put in. Labor and materials (not including the price of the fan) range based on the installation complexity:

• Basic installations: These cost around $100–$300 and include replacing a simple light with a fan and putting a brace in, but with already existing wiring and switches. It could also mean placing a fan in a ceiling with an open attic access above it. These can take from 1–2 hours with minimal or no mess.

• Complex installations: These cost around $300–$600 and often require new wiring, boxes, and switches or have limited access. These might take 2–4 hours and require extra materials and cutting small holes in the wall or ceiling.

Materials

What your ceiling fan is made of can make a difference in cost. For example, a wood ceiling fan costs $100 to $400 on average, while a stainless steel fan runs closer to $200 to $800. Other common ceiling fan materials include plastic, wicker, and metals like cast iron or aluminum.

Lights

Installing a ceiling fan with a light costs $100 to $300 on average. With new wiring to separate the blades from the light on different switches, you might pay $500 or more. When replacing a light with a light plus fan combo, you'll often use the existing wiring and settle for using the pull chain on the unit to start the blades or the remote if the unit comes with one. In addition, installing a light switch costs around $100 to $200.

Switches and Remote Controls

Ceiling fan switch kits are relatively inexpensive and available at most home improvement retailers. The type of switch impacts the slight price difference. For example, a simple pull chain can be purchased for as little as $6, while a wall switch with dial controls costs up to $50.

Due to the market saturation of remote control products, ceiling fans with remotes don't typically cost much more than standard fans. You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300. However, if you already have a ceiling fan you like and want to add the remote control element, you can buy a universal ceiling fan remote kit for about $15 to $30.

Ceiling Fan Installation Cost Factors

Cost factors include what wiring is needed and whether you install multiple fans at the same time. You'll also want to consider what type of ceiling fan you want based on your home's style and energy-efficiency goals.

Installing Wiring

To install a ceiling fan without existing wiring, a pro needs to open holes in the walls, drill holes, run wires, install boxes, and do final hookups at the junction box. This costs anywhere from $350 to $2,000. More complex jobs without a circuit might add another $1,000 to $2,000. 

Installing a ceiling fan with existing wiring costs $100 to $300 on average for a basic install, though some units run around $1,400 for designer-level comfort and style. To do this, a pro installs the unit on an existing light box. Then, they place a brace in the ceiling if the box isn't rated to hold the weight of the entire unit. While less expensive, you won't have your light and fan on separate switches. To get switch power, you'll need to run another line and add a larger box and switch. 

Another option is to purchase a fan with a remote control to operate the light and fan separately without installing additional wiring. Most range between $150 and $300 without installation.

Multiple Fans

Installing two ceiling fans costs $200 to $600 on average but can hit $4,000 for high-end brands and styles. Sometimes, you'll save a little money putting in multiple fans simultaneously. Examples of this include:

• First-hour rates: Electricians often charge one-and-a-half to two times their hourly rate for the first hour of service to cover travel fees. So, you'll save around $50–$100 if you have more than one done at the same time.

• New circuits: If you're putting in two in the same room, you'll pay less to run the wires since it'll only mean opening one set of holes to run the wires for both units. It also means only one set of switches and one switch box, reducing both materials and time.

Type of Fan

There are a lot of fans to choose from on the market, from your tried-and-true standard or low-profile models to smart fans for more tech-savvy homeowners. Here are some common types of ceiling fans and how they may impact the cost:

• Energy Star: Energy Star-certified ceiling fans are 60% more efficient than conventional fan/light units and reduce utility bills compared to non-Energy Star models. These are usually priced around $200–$300 but typically make up for the slight additional cost in long-term energy savings.

• Standard: These are the most common type of ceiling fan, typically hung from the ceiling with a downrod. Standard fans are generally cost-efficient and come in various colors, styles, and price ranges. You can commonly find a standard ceiling fan for under $150.

• Low-profile: Low-profile fans are flush against the ceiling, giving you more space below the fan to walk around or place furniture. Similar to standard models, these fans are popular and tend to be budget-friendly at around $100–$200, though that price increases (sometimes as much as double) for models with intricate lighting.

• Smart: Like other smart home products, you can control smart ceiling fans via a phone app. These fans typically cost around $120–$400 but can cost over $1,000 at the high end.

• Dual-motor: These fans circulate air even better than the other types due to their ability to blow simultaneously in two different directions. These fans usually cost more than most other types. You can find models as low as $120 and as high as $1,500, but many models are closer to $700.

Cost to Replace a Ceiling Fan

Replacing a ceiling fan with another unit costs $100 to $300 on average. You won't need any wiring or supports since it'll be a simple pull and replace. It’s a great time to upgrade the wiring and reinforce the supports behind it, but not usually necessary.

Repairing a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fan repairs cost $80 to $200 on average. You might save a little by repairing what you have rather than replacing it. Often, this process involves putting new parts in but saving the overall unit.

Ceiling Fan vs. AC

Ceiling fans cost $250 on average to install, including the unit, which is 4% of the cost of installing a central AC system. In addition, a ceiling fan is far less costly to run.

Even if you put six ceiling fans in at a total of $1,500 to $2,000, that's about 25% of the price of putting in an air conditioner. Compare this to the cost of installing central air or a ductless AC system below:

• Installing central air conditioning costs $3,800–$7,600.

• Installing ductless AC costs $2,000–$14,500.

Benefits of a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are a great cooling option with minimal cost long-term, but that’s not the only benefit. Below are some of the best reasons to consider installing a ceiling fan (or several) in your home:

• Cost-effective: A ceiling fan costs less than central air conditioning, so if you just need to cool down one room, you’ll save a lot on your utility bills by using a fan. They’re also more green-friendly than ACs, so using one helps reduce energy consumption.

• Accentuates your home decor: Ceiling fans come in all shapes, colors, finishes, and styles, so it’s easy to match your existing home decor and even create a beautiful centerpiece for your room if you want to, especially if the fan comes with lighting.

• Improves air circulation: Good air circulation feels good to many people, but that’s not the only benefit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fans can increase the effectiveness of open windows and create directional airflow to help prevent the spread of airborne viruses.

DIY Ceiling Fan Installation vs. Hire a Pro

It's dangerous to DIY electrical systems unless you're experienced and qualified to hook up home circuits. If you've ever seen a wobbly, drooping fan, that's likely the work of an inexperienced installer. They need to have not only correct wiring, but also correct supports with a level install to reduce vibrations. Don't risk harming your ceiling or yourself. Hire a ceiling fan installer, handyperson, or electrician.

An electrician costs around $50 to $100 per hour but often charges around $150 to $200 for the first hour. Many have set rates for installing a ceiling fan, usually $200 to $300. For a simple pull and replace, it costs less to go with a handyperson. A handyperson charges around $60 to $65 per hour. But for anything involving installing new circuits, panels, or junction boxes, you'll want to hire a licensed electrician.

FAQs

How much does an outdoor ceiling fan cost?

Adding a fan to a pergola, gazebo, or other outdoor living space costs around $100 to $300. If you need wiring, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more for the circuit, switch, and electrical boxes. You'll also need to make sure you purchase one that's outdoor-specific with weather-resistant construction.

Do you need an electrician to install a ceiling fan?

You don't always need an electrician to install a ceiling fan. Depending on your local code requirements, you can often have a handyperson install one. However, if you need new wiring, you’ll need a local licensed electrician.

What style of ceiling fan should I get?

You should get a ceiling fan that matches the decor of your home. Out-of-place styles stick out and may detract from the home's resale value later. If you're unsure which design to go with, talk to an interior designer.

Interior decorators cost around $2,000 to $12,000, but they create a plan for your entire home. You can choose from every possible style, from traditional carved oak to slick stainless steel to fans resembling old airplane propellers.

How big of a fan should I get?

Fans evenly distribute air throughout a room, so your room size can dictate the size of the blades and motor. In exceptionally large rooms, consider putting in more than one ceiling fan. Use the following list to determine the fan size you should purchase:

• Up to 75 sq. ft.: 29–36 in.

• 80–175 sq. ft.:42–48 in.

• 180–350 sq. ft.: 52–56 in.

• 350+ sq. ft.: 60+ in.

How much does a ceiling fan cost to run?

A fan costs around $44 to $88 annually if you run it nonstop. That's assuming it costs about $0.05 to $0.09 to run a fan every hour based on a range of 50 to 80 kilowatts per hour and an average national rate of $0.11 per kilowatt hour for electricity.

How do you install a ceiling fan?

Pros install a ceiling fan by first determining if they’re putting it in a place with existing wiring and boxes or installing new wires. For existing boxes, wires, and general replacement, they follow these steps:

• Turn the power to the circuit off option at the breaker box.

• Remove the old light and disconnect the wiring.

• Install supports to carry the unit weight.

• Install the housing on the existing box.

• Wire the unit following the code and manufacturer's requirements.

• Assemble the unit following the enclosed instructions.

• Turn the power back on and test it.

If you’re attempting to install a ceiling fan yourself, note that electricity can cause extreme harm and even death, so it’s best to call an electrician if you're not experienced working with wiring. And if you're putting one in with a new box and running new wires, you'll want to discuss it with a pro.