Updated: January 23, 2024
Reviewed by Carol J Alexander remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.
To provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date cost figures, we gather information from a variety of pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts.
Adding a ceiling fan is often the most beneficial home improvement you can make. A ceiling fan improves air circulation, which prevents humidity-causing mildew. It prolongs the use of air conditioning by keeping it cooler during the early summer and fall, and it helps your heating system by moving warm air from the ceiling.
Installing a ceiling fan is pretty straightforward and a task many homeowners can do themselves. But, if you’re not vying for the DIY awards this year, you probably want to know what it costs to hire a professional.
On average, the cost to install a ceiling fan is $475. On the low end, you will pay $45 for an inexpensive fan and materials to install yourself. But if you hire an electrician to install multiple fans on vaulted ceilings with new wiring, you could pay as much as $8,072.
Below, we look at the factors that influence the cost of a ceiling fan installation so you can choose the right one for your home and your budget.
Costs to install a ceiling fan
National average cost |
$475 |
Average range |
$337 to $613 |
Low-end |
$45 |
High-end |
$8,072 |
Factors that influence the cost of installing a ceiling fan
Installing a new ceiling fan isn’t rocket science, but a few things will affect the cost of the project. Items like fan features, type, and scope of work all come into play.
Labor
Typically, an electrician is the person to call to install a new ceiling fan. Electricians can replace an existing fan or run the wiring for a new one. Since most homeowners aren’t skilled in electrical work, hiring a professional electrician for a new fan installation is best. But, if you’re replacing an old fan, an experienced handyperson might be a less expensive alternative.
Existing wiring
The labor cost for an electrician to replace an existing ceiling fan is from $228 to $415, depending on where you live and the scope of work.
The labor cost for a handyperson to replace an existing fan could run from $111 to $204.
Of course, when replacing a fan, the wiring, hardware, and switches are already in place. Therefore, this is a less costly job than installing a fan in a new location.
New wiring
The hourly rate for an electrician runs from $101 to $183, depending on where you live.
Suppose you built a home addition and want a ceiling fan or fans on the porch. Installing a new fan in a new location takes your ceiling fan installation to the next level. First, you’ll need to run new wiring, which takes longer and requires additional materials. This scope of work requires the expertise of an electrician who will likely charge by the hour or the day, depending on their practice.
Some states don’t require a license for handypersons. Always check the person’s qualifications before hiring, especially for an electrical project.
Type of fan
The cost of a ceiling fan installation depends mainly on the cost of the fan. There are several types of fans, each with distinctive features. Below is a breakdown of the types of fans and the typical costs of each.
Standard ceiling fan
You can purchase a basic ceiling fan for as little as $64 and as much as $1,354.
The ubiquitous, standard ceiling fan points down with blades parallel to the ceiling. They have four or five blades and come in many colors, styles, and materials. Many homeowners opt for a fan with a light kit. Most fans come with a pull chain for operation but also connect to a switch on the wall. However, some standard fans come with remote controls.
Low-profile ceiling fan
You can purchase a low-profile ceiling fan for as little as $45 and as much as $2,000.
Also called a flush-mount fan, this fan has blades close to the ceiling. Homeowners use them in low-ceiling areas, like the second story of an old farmhouse. They’re also ideal for small rooms because they don’t visually occupy the space.
Hanging propeller ceiling fan
You can purchase a propeller-style fan for as little as $64 and as much as $1,245.
A hanging propeller fan looks just like it sounds: like a propeller suspended from the ceiling by a long rod. They’re used primarily for high ceilings and are an efficient way to keep your home cool in the summer. When reversing the blades, they’ll push warm air trapped in a high ceiling down where it’s needed.
Directional ceiling fan
You can purchase a directional ceiling fan for $97 to $463.
This type of ceiling fan allows you to change its direction, much like a floor-standing or table-top model. A directional fan is ideal for large rooms where you want the airflow pointed in a particular direction.
Rotational ceiling fan
The average cost of a rotational ceiling fan is from $219 to $1,102.
Also called a dual-motor fan, a rotational fan has two or more heads attached to a single downrod and electrical box. They move more air than single-motor fans, making them an excellent choice for large rooms.
Fan features
Besides the basics, there are features you’ll want to look for when shopping for a new ceiling fan. Here are a few you may find attractive.
- Angled mount – If it’s not included in the box, you may need to purchase an angled mounting kit for a sloped ceiling. It allows the fan to hang straight down so it can function correctly. Typically, they cost about $48 to $83.
- Remote control – A remote control allows you to adjust the fan speed while lying in bed. If your fan doesn’t have a remote control, you can purchase a universal remote that adapts to most fans. You can buy a remote control for $28 to $192 for a new fan that doesn’t include one.
- Smart fan – If you would like to program your ceiling fan to work with the HVAC system based on the ambient temperature, choose a fan with smart technology. Many fans are compatible with smart home systems from Google, Amazon, or Apple, so you can control them with voice or a phone app. For a smart fan, expect to pay $115 to $2,700.
- Smart fan conversion kit – Not yet in the market for a new fan, but want the smart features? You can purchase a wall switch conversion kit for $13 to $150 to use your mobile device to control the fan.
- Reverse mode – To maximize the value of a ceiling fan in your home, you want a reversible one. Reversing the blade direction in the winter pushes warm air down from the ceiling, allowing your HVAC system to run at peak efficiency. So always make sure the fan you choose is reversible.
Additional cost factors
Indoor vs. outdoor fan
If you want to install a ceiling fan in an outdoor space, ensure it’s rated for that purpose. You cannot install indoor fans outdoors because moisture will negatively impact the materials and the fan’s operation. Outdoor ceiling fans are constructed of materials that withstand moisture, like plastic or stainless steel. They also include motors and other components that withstand high humidity.
Switches
If you want the ability to operate your fan and light separately, you can have the electrician install a separate switch when they’re replacing the fan. While this may add to the overall project cost, it’s a convenience you’ll grow to love. Switch installation costs between $288 and $524, depending on your location.
Fan size
Ceiling fans come in many sizes to accommodate all the rooms of the house. However, a fan doesn’t cost more simply because it’s large; other factors impact the cost more. So ideally, you want the best size fan for the space.
The length of the blade span indicates a fan’s size. To size a ceiling fan, measure from the center of the fan to the tip of a blade and multiply by two. Following is a chart indicating the right size fan for various room sizes.
Choose the correct size fan for the room
Room size |
Fan size |
Up to 144 square feet |
42-inch fan |
144 to 225 square feet |
44-inch fan |
225 to 400 square feet |
52-inch fan |
Greater than 400 square feet |
Install more than one fan |
*Sizing information from The Home Depot.
Ensure the fan’s blades are at least 18 inches from the walls. Without proper clearance, the air won’t circulate efficiently.
The average ceiling fan installation cost
Many homeowners don’t look at installing a ceiling fan as a costly endeavor. However, the cost goes up considerably if you want a product with all the bells and whistles or want to install a fan where you need additional wiring or a new junction box. Therefore, we’ve broken the project into three pricing tiers so you can install the right fan for your home and your budget.
Budget-friendly ceiling fan installation
A budget-friendly ceiling fan installation could cost from $45 to $468, depending on the fan you pick out and the labor cost in your area.
Homeowners on a budget will purchase one basic fan for as little as $20 and install it themselves. However, on the high end, they could hire an electrician to replace one existing fan with a standard, flush-mount, or propeller-style fan. Since built-in light fixtures come with most fans, this price range could also include fans with lights.
Mid-range ceiling fan installation
The mid-range pricing tier to replace one to five ceiling fans ranges from $337 to $3,065, depending on the number and type of fans and your location.
With more money in the budget, homeowners will not attempt to DIY this project. Instead, they’ll hire a licensed electrician and purchase a fan with added features. They can even replace all the fans in their home with mid-grade 48-52-inch reversible ceiling fans with three speeds, four blades, and a light kit. Replacing one fan would cost an average of $337 to $613. Replacing five fans will be from $1,685 to $3,065, depending on your location.
Luxury ceiling fan installation
To replace or add up to eight smart-enabled, remote control ceiling fans in or outside your luxury home, you could spend $4,432 to $8,072, depending on the scope of work and your location.
A high-end home may include multiple fans inside and out. For example, ceiling fans can be found over the outdoor kitchen, under a patio pergola, or in a gazebo. But, inside, they may have above-average ceiling heights, which require extra-long downrods, adding to the cost. And homeowners in this pricing tier can afford to pay for additional wiring to place fans where they didn’t exist previously.
More than the installation, owners of luxury homes want smart home-compatible and energy-efficient models. For example, a high-end ceiling fan installation can include directional or rotational fans, which saves air conditioning costs.
DIY vs. professional installation
Theoretically, if you can change a light fixture, you can change a fan. But you will need to be able to lift it and hold it in place while standing on a ladder and connecting the wires. The primary danger, besides falling, is forgetting to turn off the electricity at the main breaker box before you begin.
Also, there are a few circumstances that complicate matters. If you have any of the following situations, it’s best to hire an electrician to do the job.
You want to install a fan where there isn’t an existing fixture. This installation requires running additional electrical wiring.
You have vaulted ceilings requiring scaffolding or extension ladders and long downrods.
You want a fan that requires specialized installation.
How to pay for a ceiling fan installation
Since installing a ceiling fan is typically under $1,000, most homeowners pay for the job out of pocket. However, if you’re installing multiple fans or have particular circumstances that make the job more pricey, you could withdraw the funds from your home equity line of credit (HELOC).
Ways to save money
Sometimes, even the least expensive home improvement projects burden the budget. If that’s your circumstance, here are a few savings options when installing a ceiling fan.
If your existing fan broke, take it down and see if you can repair it. You have nothing to lose.
You can easily refinish an out-of-date fan to get by until you can replace it. A little paint goes a long way.
Watch for sales, particularly during the off-season, and purchase a fan then.
Choose a lower-cost fan and upgrade when funds permit
Visit Habitat for Humanity’s Restore or another construction salvage outlet in your area for a used fan in working order.
Other considerations
Location –The cost of all home improvement projects will vary depending on your geographic location. For instance, prices are higher in urban areas than in rural ones. Always check with a local professional for more accurate costs for your area of the country.
Hidden damage – Whenever you take things apart in your home, you risk finding hidden damage somewhere. The repairs will add to the project's overall cost, whether mold, insects, or faulty wiring.
Permitting – Switching one fan for another is no big deal. But you'll need a building permit when wiring for a new fan or replacing existing wiring that wasn’t up to code. Always check with your local officials to see if your project requires one.
Warranties – When shopping for a new fan, compare their warranties too. Then, register your product and save the paperwork for the future.
Enjoy the breeze
At first thought, installing a ceiling fan to save wear and tear on your air conditioner sounds like an easy plan. But, there are a few risks involved with this level of project. Hire a professional ceiling fan installation expert to help keep your home breezy all year round.