How Much Does Attic Fan Repair Cost?
Typical Range:
$50 - $300
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
How We Get This Data
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.
- When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.
- We compile the data and report costs back to you.
•
•
•
•
Updated October 11, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Attic fan repair costs an average of $175 or between $50 and $300. Attic fan motor prices usually fall between $50 and $200 or up to $400 for a whole-house fan, not including labor. At most, you'll pay $1,200 for attic or whole-house fan repairs.
You install attic fans and whole-house fans in the attic area, either under an eve or directly on the roof. They help to regulate the temperature throughout the home by exhausting hot air. On the other hand, you mount a whole-house fan on the attic floor above a grill in the ceiling of a central hallway. Though commonly confused, these two models serve different purposes.
Attic Fan Repair Cost Calculator
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
| National Average | $175 |
| Typical Range | $50 - $300 |
| Low End - High End | $50 - $300 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by HomeAdvisor members.
Attic Fan Repair Costs by Part
Although you'll pay the same for labor, about $100 per hour, the total bill will vary by what part you need fixed or replaced. Some common parts and prices are listed in the table below, assuming labor will take around one to three hours.
| Attic Fan Part | Average Price Range per Part | Total Average Cost Range for Part and Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | $50 – $350 | $150 – $650 |
| Electrical | $50 – $250 | $150 – $550 |
| Thermostat | $50 – $300 | $150 – $600 |
| Belt and switch | $50 – $110 | $150 – $410 |
| Mount | $20 – $50 | $120 – $350 |
| Solar part | $100 – $500 | $200 – $800 |
| Blade | $20 – $50 | $120 – $350 |
| Fuse | $30 – $50 | $130 – $350 |
Vent Fan Motor Replacement
Vent fan motors cost around $150 to $650 to replace, including labor. The most expensive fan repair is the motor. Once you rule out electrical, thermostat, and other minor problems, it's the most likely culprit. If the motor isn't running properly, you'll need to have it serviced by a professional. The final project price depends on what the issue is with the motor.
Electrical
Electrical problems range in cost from $150 to $550, depending on the problem. If the issue is electrical, it could be as simple as a blown fuse or a bad connection. Check your electrical box for a tripped circuit. You may be able to flip the breaker for an inexpensive fix.
If your electricity appears to be working, check your unit's belts, switches, and thermostats. If those all function properly, check the motor. If none of these seem to be the problem, hire an electrician. Electricians charge around $50 to $150 per hour.
Thermostat
Thermostats cost around $150 to $600 and aren't always a part of your attic fan or whole-house system. Repairs to a switch mean replacing the switch. Consult a professional electrician or HVAC contractor for exact costs. They may be able to install a remote or Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat.
Belt and Switch
Belts and switches cost about $150 to $410 to replace, which is mostly labor fees. Belts cost around $10 each, and switches range from $25 to $100 each. They're the easiest and least expensive replacement to make. A belt might make for an easy DIY project if you install it correctly. However, a switch requires electrical connections, increasing the chance of electrical shock, so it's best to hire a local electrician.
Roof Mount vs. Wall Gable Mount vs. Floor Mount
Labor alone costs around $50 to $100 for a handyperson to tighten a mount down. Replacement brackets typically cost $20 to $50 for a kit if it's available. You often can't replace the mount as it's attached to the fan blade mounts. Typically, you'll end up replacing the entire fan.
These mount on either the home's roof or a gable attic wall. At a rate of around $45 to $75 per hour, a roofer can cut the hole, install the roof-mounted unit and roof vents, and reseal the roof. For about $70 per hour, a carpenter can cut a hole or widen a gable vent to install a gable-mounted unit.
Other damages that may need repairs include the roof, ceiling, and walls:
Roof repair cost: $340–$1,250
Ceiling repair cost: $400–$1,400
Wall repair cost: $350–$1,250
Solar-Powered Ventilation Fan
Solar-powered vent fans cost around $200 to $800 to repair. Solar fans feature many of the same parts as electrical ones, like belts, thermostats, and switches. The costs to repair or replace them are also similar.
If the solar panel itself breaks, contact a local solar professional to restore the unit. Solar panel repairs cost most homeowners between $200 and $1,100. When installed and serviced by a licensed professional, many include a manufacturer's warranty that covers parts and labor for up to 25 years.
Other Parts
Ventilation systems have a variety of other pieces that can break. Due to their complexity, a professional should complete most of the repairs.
Shutters/grill: $80–$100 each
Blades: $120–$350 each
Cover/cap: Product-specific price
Pros may also be able to provide parts that are unavailable to consumers or difficult to find. If the manufacturer discontinues a model, your pro may be able to source a new piece from scraps or make the part. Otherwise, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Hire a Contractor to Help Diagnose the Issue
Attic Fan Replacement Costs vs. Repairs
Sometimes, fan repairs exceed the cost of replacing the fan with a new model. Replacing or installing a new attic fan costs about $660, or between $350 and $1,000, about twice as much as repairs. Keep the below points in mind when determining whether to replace or repair your fan:
Depending on the model quality you choose, location, and add-ons, the project can run as little as $200 or as much as $1,300.
Labor rates average $100 per hour for the two to three hours it typically takes for the replacement, which includes removing the old unit.
Rewiring will take about one hour.
Replacement may include hidden fees such as uninstalling or disposing of the old parts.
Cost to Replace or Repair a Whole-House Fan
Whole-house fan replacement costs $1,200 to $1,800 on average. But you might pay anywhere from $700 to $3,000, depending on the location, accessibility, and brand. Repairs cost about the same as an attic fan, or somewhere between $120 and $800.
Installation requires the same expertise as an attic fan, although these are sometimes larger. While you may need to employ a carpenter and electrician for the initial installation, a handyperson or electrician can usually handle a replacement or repair.
Keep these points in mind when determining whether to replace or repair a whole-house fan:
A carpenter will charge around $70 per hour to install and make ceiling modifications if necessary.
The work will take about three hours for a replacement, for a total labor cost of around $300.
You may need to hire an electrician to connect the unit to your home's electricity source for a basic callout fee of $100–$300.
Your pro can also mount and connect solar panels.
Whole-House and Attic Fan Repair Cost Factors
In some cases, other factors may affect your decision to repair or replace your attic or whole-house system, including accessibility, the age of the unit, any warranties you might have, access to power, and permitting issues.
Accessibility
How easy is it to get to your attic fan? If it's in a space that's difficult to find and access, this could add to the repair cost. If there's no room to get to it, its removal might be necessary. Any of these circumstances could increase the time it takes to complete the project. If it's difficult to access, ask your local HVAC repair pro to inspect the unit and provide a quote before performing the work.
Regardless of the location of your fan, part prices and labor rates will remain about the same. However, a professional may need more time to make the repairs if your attic is in poor shape or your unit is hard to reach. Hourly labor charges will increase accordingly.
Age of the Unit
After about 12 years, consider replacing the entire attic or whole-house fan if you develop problems with the unit. Most fans only have a 15-year life span, with some units lasting longer through proper maintenance.
Warranties
Home warranties often cover attic fans, often costing additional monthly or yearly payments and coming with a deductible. Speak to your warranty servicing company to see if yours covers the attic or whole-house fan.
Energy Source
For repairs or replacements, there will already be an energy source available. However, if you upgrade to solar or install a new circuit, you'll likely spend an additional $500 to $700.
Permit
Repairs for an attic fan don’t require a permit. If you’re installing a new one or replacing one, you’ll want to check with your local building department to see if they require a permit. Most locations don’t unless you’re installing new wiring.
Consult with a Fan Repair Specialist
DIY Attic Fan Repair vs. Hiring a Pro
If your unit stops working, you can and should take minor troubleshooting steps before calling a professional. Check for a tripped breaker, faulty thermostat, or broken belt.
However, repairing and replacing these ventilation systems is complex and requires professional expertise. Hiring a pro will ensure you properly address safety concerns like attic ventilation and help prevent costly repairs should the DIY attempt go wrong.
Who Repairs Attic Fans?
Installation may require the expertise of more than one contractor, and labor rates will depend on your chosen model and existing home features.
For example, a local roofer can install a roof-mounted unit, while a carpenter can install a gable-mounted or whole-house fan. An electrician will need to complete the wiring, but an HVAC company specialist will likely be able to provide turnkey installation.
How to Replace a Fan
Replacing your whole-house or attic fan requires extensive electrical knowledge and power. The required steps include:
Turning off the fan's power supply
Opening the thermostat/regulator cover and removing all wiring (if you're replacing your regulator as well, unscrew and remove that along with the other parts)
Unscrewing and removing the motor and fan, disposing of the old parts
Inserting the new fan into the existing space from the old one (if it’s a different size than the old one, consult with a pro to either fill in or widen the space without compromising the integrity of the roof, floor, or wall)
Clamping all cables together and removing sheathing from the wires
Attaching the new thermostat to the wall if you're replacing your regulator (if not, move on to step 7)
Attaching all wires to the regulator by consulting the instructions provided with the unit
Snapping the cover back on the regulator and setting controls to your desired temperature
Turning your circuit breaker back on for testing
It's best to work with an electrical contractor. A professional can give you the peace of mind that the unit is safe and accurately installed.
Hire an Fan Contractor to Repair Your Attic or Whole House Fan
Frequently Asked Questions
Do attic fans lower energy costs?
An attic fan doesn’t typically lower the energy bill by much, if at all. The energy savings they provide is typically countered by the energy they use. Attic temperatures can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit in mild to hot climates, and fans pull hot air outside to reduce the temperature.
However, they do:
Reduce the strain on your AC.
Reduce humidity in the attic.
Help protect roofs from extreme heat.
They may provide more benefit in mild climates as they only use 10%–15% of the power of a traditional AC.
How long should an attic fan last?
Attic fans typically last up to about 15 years. However, they may go out in a matter of a few years or last decades. Your attic fan installer near you will make sure to install one that works in your climate. Depending on the style, you'll want to get them serviced and maintained yearly with cleaning and any oiling your model requires.
How do I know if my attic fan motor is bad?
You'll generally know your attic fan motor is bad if you smell a light electrical burning from the exhaust vent. Once it's completely out, the motor won't function at all. You may also consider it if the fan won't turn on at all. However, that can also be a symptom of other problems in the system, such as a bad thermostat, connection, or a mechanical failure.
Should I turn off my attic fan in the winter?
No, you don’t need to turn off your attic fan in the winter as it provides quite a few benefits. It’ll continue to reduce attic moisture. It can also help prevent ice dams on the roof and reduce the chances of mold growth. Even if you decide to turn the attic fans off, you’ll still want to leave the vents open to allow proper airflow through your attic in the winter.
