An attic fan costs about $625 installed in 2026, with most homeowners paying $369 to $914 (Angi).1 HomeGuide puts the typical range at $300 to $900 and Fixr at $225 to $850.2,3 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on fan type, where it mounts, and whether an electrician has to run a new line to the attic.
$625
average, Angi
$600
average, HomeGuide
$450
average, Fixr
3 – 5 hrs
typical install, HomeGuide
Cost by fan type
| Fan type | Installed (HomeGuide) | Installed (Angi / Fixr) |
|---|---|---|
| Passive vent or turbine | $150 – $700 | $75 – $150 |
| Electric | $200 – $1,200 | $100 – $450 |
| Solar | $300 – $1,400 | $300 – $1,000 |
| Dual-powered (solar and electric) | $400 – $1,000 | $300 – $1,000 (Angi) |
| Whole-house fan (different product) | $600 – $2,300 | $300 – $1,400 or more (Angi) |
The sources are far apart on passive and electric fans: HomeGuide shows up to $700 and $1,200 installed, while Angi and Fixr show $150 and $450 at most.1,2,3 Angi and Fixr also print the same fan-type ranges, so treat them as one data point, not two, our reading. Get local quotes that name the fan, the mount and the wiring.
Roof mount vs gable mount (Fixr)
| Mount | Passive | Electric | Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | $75 – $100 | $100 – $450 | $300 – $1,000 |
| Gable | $200 – $300 | $200 – $500 | $400 – $1,000 |
Fixr says a solar fan has to go on the roof, so it cannot mount in a gable end.3
Labor and materials
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Labor, whole job | $100 – $500 | HomeGuide |
| Installer hourly rate | $45 – $85 per hour | Angi |
| Electrician, new line to the attic | $50 – $130 per hour | HomeGuide |
| Thermostat | $30 – $80 (HomeGuide); $150 – $400 installed (Angi) | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Humidistat | $50 – $80 (HomeGuide); $50 – $100 (Angi) | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Automatic gable shutter | $50 – $80 | HomeGuide, Angi |
| Roof sealant | $10 – $30 | HomeGuide |
| Shingles for patching | $25 – $35 per bundle | Angi |
Average cost by city (Angi)
| City | Average |
|---|---|
| Orlando, FL | $425 |
| Chicago, IL | $455 |
| Dallas, TX | $460 |
| New York, NY | $465 |
| Raleigh, NC | $485 |
| Portland, ME | $595 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $660 |
| Kansas City, MO | $700 |
| Portland, OR | $765 |
| Denver, CO | $955 |
| Sacramento, CA | $1,110 |
What size fan you need
HomeGuide recommends at least 700 CFM per 1,000 square feet of attic floor, and 15% to 20% more for dark or steep roofs.2
| Attic floor (sq ft) | Airflow to target (CFM, HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 700 – 850 |
| 1,500 | 1,100 – 1,300 |
| 2,000 | 1,400 – 1,700 |
| 2,500 | 1,800 – 2,100 |
| 3,000 | 2,100 – 2,500 |
Angi’s written steps multiply cubic feet by 0.7, but its own sizing table works out to square feet times 0.7 (1,000 sq ft gives 700 CFM), so we used the table.1
Do attic fans save money?
It depends. HomeGuide says a properly installed fan can cut attic temperature by 20 degrees or more, but also warns that electric fans can use more energy than they save, and that a leaky attic floor lets the fan pull cooled air out of the house.2 HomeGuide puts running cost at $0.40 to $7.30 a month for 4 hours a day, and says some states ban electric attic fans.2 Homes with good insulation and enough passive vents often do not need one.2 Solar fans cost nothing to run; HomeGuide mentions possible tax incentives, but we have not verified any for 2026, so check before counting on one.2
Hiring and DIY
Angi recommends a pro for nearly everyone, because cutting into the roof invites leaks and powered fans involve wiring.1 It calls passive fans a little safer to install yourself.1 Most cities want a permit for electrical or structural changes.2 If you are choosing a fan to compare quotes, Home Depot’s solar attic fan section lists current models (plain link, not affiliate).
Related guides
Attic Fan Repair Cost
Attic Ladder Installation Cost
Whole-House Fan Cost
Attic Insulation Cost
Roof Repair Cost
Solar Panel Cost
HVAC Installation Cost
All cost guides
Sources
1. Angi — How Much Does Attic Fan Installation Cost?
2. HomeGuide — Attic Fan Installation Cost
3. Fixr — Attic Fan Installation Cost