Ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler by circulating air downward and they can make interior spaces feel warmer by running in reverse. They’re also cheaper to install and operate than most other HVAC systems, and you can give your AC, furnace, or heat pump a break by sometimes switching to your fan. The national average cost of ceiling fan installation is about $250, though the price may range from $100–$600 or more, depending on the complexity of the project.

Ceiling Fan Installation Cost Breakdown

You first need to select a ceiling fan to install. The unit price varies depending on the features and brand. Labor costs are next. This will depend on the condition of the existing wiring and whether it needs substantial changes. Adding a universal remote control kit to an existing fan is relatively inexpensive, but if you need to install a wall switch or make changes to your home’s electrical system to support the fan, installation costs will go up quickly. A simple installation will typically cost $100–$300, but a more complex installation can cost $300–$600 or more.

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Ceiling Fan Cost by Type

The type of ceiling fan and its features plays a large role in unit price. Here are some of the most common ceiling fan varieties found in residential buildings.

Damp-Rated Ceiling Fan

For rooms with a great deal of humidity and condensation such as bathrooms, garages, and enclosed porches, you’ll want to install a fan that works in damp environments. While these fans can’t get completely wet, they’re highly resistant to rust and corrosion in indoor and some outdoor environments. They can cost as little as $125 or as much as $1,100.

Directional Ceiling Fan

Directional fans are mounted on an adjustable downrod that can point the airflow in any direction. The blades are usually enclosed in a cage to keep your ceiling or hand safe as you change their direction. These fans tend to cost $150–$800.

Dual-Motor or Rotational Ceiling Fan

Dual-motor fans have two or more fan heads attached to a single central downrod and electrical box. The extra heads allow these fans to move more air, making them ideal for large rooms. They range from $200–$1,500.

Energy Star Certified Ceiling Fan

For the most energy-efficient fan, look for a model that’s Energy Star rated. These fans use minimum electricity for maximum airflow, keeping utility bills low. An Energy Star-rated fan typically costs $60–$600 and may be included as a fan feature rather than its own product. 

Hanging Propeller Ceiling Fan

For rooms with high ceilings, fans can be mounted on a pole called a downrod, meaning there’s extra distance between the ceiling and fan blades. They work best on ceilings 9 feet or higher, usually suspending the fan blades about 7 feet from the ground. These fans tend to cost $150–$550.

Low-Profile Ceiling Fan

For a shorter or more compact room, you may want a fan that’s very close to the ceiling. Low-profile fans sit on a flush mount, also called a hugger, and cost about as much as a standard ceiling fan at $50–$300. They work well at a ceiling height of 8 feet or less.

Smart Ceiling Fan

Like other smart home devices, smart fans are connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. This allows you to control the fan speed and light fixtures from anywhere, and it usually connects to a home’s larger smart network of devices. Smart fans start as low as $120, but a high-end model can cost $1,000 or more.

Standard Ceiling Fan

Most homes have at least one standard ceiling fan, which usually has five blades rotating parallel to the ceiling. They may have a built-in light fixture, and most have a pull chain to operate the fan speed or light. Standard ceiling fans are available in a variety of sizes and finishes and typically cost $50–$300.

Wet-Rated Ceiling Fan

Outdoor ceiling fans should be wet-rated, meaning they can function while coming into direct contact with rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation. All fan blades and wiring are waterproof, so these fans can be installed in unenclosed patios, pergolas, verandas, and outdoor kitchens. The price range for wet-rated fans isn’t much higher than for damp-rated fans at $150–$1,200.

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Ceiling Fan Cost by Size

Room size is the biggest factor in determining how large your ceiling fan should be. Larger rooms have more air to circulate, requiring fans with longer blades and potentially more powerful motors. As you might expect, larger fans will cost more than smaller ones. Here’s an approximate breakdown of room size, fan blade length, and unit cost.

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Benefits of Ceiling Fans

As you may know, ceiling fans don’t actually reduce a room’s air temperature, but they do make the room feel substantially cooler. Here are some other reasons to install a ceiling fan, particularly compared to the large cost of installing an air conditioner.

Air Circulation

Ceiling fans are known for circulating a cool breeze, but they can also circulate warm air. When turning counterclockwise, they blow air that feels cool downward into the room. If you switch the spin direction to clockwise and set the fan on a low speed, it will circulate warm air collected at the ceiling throughout the room. Either way, fans increase ventilation that, along with open windows, helps reduce the spread of viruses in the air.

Energy Efficiency

Air conditioners reduce the indoor temperature and are often necessary for comfort in hot climates, but they cost far more to install and run than a ceiling fan. A ceiling fan uses about 40 watts per hour at medium speed, whereas a central air conditioner uses 2,000–5,000 watts per hour. You can save electricity and thus money on air conditioning by only running your fan in milder weather. You can also keep your AC on a lower setting if you use a fan at the same time.

Lighting

Ceiling fans often contain central light fixtures that illuminate a room better than table and floor lamps can. You may not need to add new wiring for a light if your ceiling is already wired for a fan. Simply choose a new ceiling fan that incorporates a light fixture.

Noise Reduction

Fans run much more quietly than air conditioners and other HVAC systems. Purchasing a fan with a DC (direct current) motor is a little more expensive, but it will create even less noise than one with an AC (alternating current) motor. DC-motor fans are also a bit more energy-efficient.

Lower Maintenance

With a ceiling fan, you won’t need to worry about regular HVAC maintenance or air duct cleaning like you would with forced-air systems. Blade dusting is all the regular maintenance a ceiling fan needs. Likewise, if the fan should break down, repair is usually simple and inexpensive. In fact, an entirely new ceiling fan often costs less than a single air conditioner part such as an evaporator coil.

Room Aesthetics

Plastic and fiberboard fans in white, black, or beige may be the cheapest options, but they’re not the only options. You can find a ceiling fan to match nearly any decor, from sleek modern to beach chic. You’ll have your choice of blade span, finish, style, and material such as aluminum, steel, wood, or even palm leaves. Chosen well, your ceiling fan can be the attractive centerpiece of the room.

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Other Factors That Impact Ceiling Fan Installation Costs

Here are some areas where you might run into additional costs for fan installation.

Accessories

In addition to the basic costs of installing a ceiling fan, you can add extra features and accessories. Here are some of your options.

• Blade covers: Change your fan blades’ look with covers. These are usually designed for children’s rooms, but you can also find more mature options for $20–$60.
• Remote control kit: You can buy a fan that comes with a remote control or purchase a universal kit that can be adapted to most fans. These are typically inexpensive at $15–$30.
• Angled ceiling mount: If your ceiling is sloped, you may need to purchase an angled mount to allow the fan to correctly function. It may already be included in the fan unit kit, or you can buy one separately for about $20–$40.
• Smart wall switch conversion kit: For about $45–$60, you can convert your regular ceiling fan into a smart fan using a wall switch conversion kit. This typically allows you to utilize your mobile device as a remote control and even hook your fan up to a smart thermostat.
• Decorations: You can choose to update the look of any ceiling fan with decorative downrods, pull chains, finials, or other small bits of hardware. This should only add a few dollars each to the total cost.

Labor Costs

An average handyman can typically handle ceiling fan installation if the correct electrical wiring is already in place and there’s easy attic access to the necessary ceiling. The hourly rate of a general repair contractor is typically around $25–$50. The more complex the installation, the more you can expect to pay, so labor can cost anywhere from $50–$200.

Wiring or Electrical Installation

This is the potentially expensive portion of ceiling fan installation. If the ceiling isn’t already wired for a fan, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to run wires to the correct location. You may also need a fan-rated junction box and the correct circuit breakers to handle the electrical load. Electricians tend to charge $50–$100 per hour, and there may be a flat service fee per visit. For especially complex installations that involve adding new circuits, you may pay up to $2,000.

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Professional vs. DIY

In most cases, professional installation is the best choice for new ceiling fans. Here’s why.

Professional Ceiling Fan Installation

Because installing a ceiling fan requires dealing with live wires, it’s usually wise to hire a pro. Professional contractors will have all the required tools, such as ladders and safety equipment. If you’re putting a ceiling fan where there wasn’t one before, or you need any kind of additional wiring, it’s important to hire a licensed electrician. They cost more than general handymen, but have the necessary training to do work that meets all building codes.

DIY Ceiling Fan Installation

If you’re simply replacing one ceiling fan with another similar unit on a low ceiling, you may be able to do the work yourself. However, it’s important to remember that you’re still dealing with a substantial safety risk in the form of live wires. You’re also installing a heavy piece of overhead equipment while standing on a ladder. If the fan isn’t installed correctly, it could damage your ceiling, electrical system, or somebody sitting underneath it. If you’re not absolutely sure of your home improvement skills, have a professional install it instead.

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Our Conclusion

Installing a ceiling fan can help keep your home’s interior cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A fan is much cheaper to install and run than an air conditioner, so even if you have central AC, choosing to use a fan in milder weather can lower your energy bills. It’s usually a good idea to hire a professional installer, and is necessary if you need new wiring. Ask around and get at least three estimates from local contractors before choosing one to install your new ceiling fan.

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FAQ About Installing a Ceiling Fan

Will electricians install ceiling fans?

According to Home Depot, professional electricians will install ceiling fans. Moreover, a licensed electrician must be the one to install the fan if your ceiling isn’t already wired.

Is installing a ceiling fan worth it?

Ceiling fans cost substantially less to install and run than air conditioners. If you live in a temperate climate where a fan can be used in place of an AC unit, the fan is well worth the cost of installation.

Does installing ceiling fans increase home value?

Installing a ceiling fan is a small upgrade that can increase your home’s desirability, making it worth more on the real estate market. Fans can also increase a room’s comfort and amount of available light.

Are ceiling fans difficult to install?

Replacing an existing ceiling fan is a relatively simple task. However, homeowners will need to hire a licensed electrician for any home wiring changes.

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