How much does it cost to repair an attic fan?

An attic fan is a fan installed on a roof or gable that circulates air throughout the attic. It pulls fresh air into the attic and pushes the heated air outside. Those who use attic fans often use them during the summer months when temperatures can reach especially high levels. Attic fans can also help push the humidity back outside before it can cause excessive moisture damage. As useful as attic fans are, they can sometimes break down or experience other problems.

Attic fans can last up to 15 years, but as they get older they can lose their efficiency or stop working altogether. When that happens, it's usually either an electrical problem or an issue with a specific part inside your fan. The cost of repairing an attic fan depends on the specific attic fan problem, but homeowners can expect to pay $130-$300, with the average customer paying $200 for repairs such as replacing the thermostat ¹.

Attic fan repair costs

Cost factors

You'll find a lot of variation in attic fan repair costs, but you can get a better idea of how much you'll pay by looking at certain cost factors. Projects with simple requirements and a minimum amount of labor will ultimately cost you much less than projects that require a lot of labor and expensive parts. You can get an estimate from a local repair specialist to get the most accurate idea of pricing. In the meantime, here are some factors to consider when trying to determine the cost of your attic fan repair.

• Brands. Some attic fan brands are more expensive to repair than others because they come with more expensive parts. Remington Solar and QuietCool, for example, are both expensive brands with expensive parts.

• Type of repair. Of course, your expenses will also depend on what your attic fan needs. The simplest electrical problems may cost less to repair than fans that need a part replacement or have multiple problems at the same time.

• Parts needed. When a fan does need replacement parts, the nature of those parts will impact how much you pay for your service. A new fan belt, for instance, may only cost $15 on top of labor costs, but an entire replacement motor could cost up to $130. For older fan models, it may be more difficult to find replacement parts.

• Professional rates. Different professionals will charge different amounts for their labor. If you live in an area with more than one attic fan repair service, you can always get estimates from all of your options to find the least expensive choice. An attic fan can be repaired by either a handyman or an electrician. Handymen usually charge $100-$300 per project, while electricians usually charge $65-$85 per hour. Repairing an attic fan usually takes 1-3 hours.

• Distance. If you live very far from the nearest repair professional, you may or may not pay more for their service. Some repair specialists charge extra for work outside of their usual service area.

• Accessibility. If your repair professional charges per hour, then the accessibility of your fan will make a difference in cost. The harder your fan is to access, the longer it will take to repair. If your fan is mounted at a particularly high or difficult angle, for example, it may take longer for your repair specialist to access it.

Common problems

Below, you'll find some of the most common problems that come from attic fans. Attic fans can face a wide range of issues, from electrical problems to specific part problems. Some of these issues are more easily repaired than others, which is why prices can vary.

Solar attic fan repair

Your type of attic fan will have a big impact on your repair costs. For example, there’s often a big cost difference between standard attic fan repair and solar attic fan repair. Solar attic fans are, overall, more expensive than electric fans. As a result, their replacement parts can be fairly expensive, too. Some of the specific parts can get more expensive, too. A new belt will likely cost roughly the same amount as a belt for an electric fan motor. However, an entirely new motor could cost up to $250, while an electric fan motor usually comes closer to $120. On the other hand, solar attic fans don’t come with electrical problems, so you can save some money in that area. Solar fans can also help you save more money on your utility bills than electric fans. If your solar fan needs replacement, it can cost between $400 and $750.

Labor

Generally speaking, it’s better to hire a professional than to attempt attic fan repair by yourself. If you try the DIY approach, you could put your safety at risk. Spending too much time in your attic could expose you to extreme temperatures. Also, if you’re dealing with an electrical issue, then you should hire a trained electrician to avoid electric shock for yourself.

Calling a trained professional will also save you a lot of time. A professional electrician or handyman won’t have to research or second-guess their approach. They already have the training and experience they need, so they can get the job done quickly compared to the DIY approach.

You'll also need to consider the cost of labor when you need attic fan repair. Labor costs will depend on who you hire for your fan repair. Handymen, as stated above, usually charge about $300 per project, while electricians usually charge $65-$85 per hour.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance can prevent the need for a lot of repairs. Maintenance is simple enough that some homeowners choose to do it themselves. If you take the DIY maintenance route, focus on cleaning and lubrication.

First of all, check your fan for debris about once a year. Your attic fan pushes air outside and pulls air inside, so it's normal for it to pick up dirt, twigs, and other debris. Check your fan, especially the intake and exhaust portions, and remove debris regularly with a mild cleaning solution. While you're checking for debris, it's a good idea to make sure that your fan's motor is properly lubricated. Poor lubrication can make your fan's motor wear down quickly. You can find motor oil at a hardware store for $2 to $5. During your regular maintenance, make sure that you unplug or disconnect the fan for your safety. Otherwise, you risk electric shock or injury from the blades.

All of that said, you can also ask your repair specialist about professional maintenance. A professional may notice details and potential problems that the untrained eye won’t spot.

Repair vs. replace an attic fan

Should you repair your attic fan, or have it replaced? You can consider several factors here. First of all, consider the extent of the repairs that your fan needs. If your fan has just one or two problems, then the repair process may be simple and relatively inexpensive. However, if the fan has multiple broken parts, replacement may be the most cost effective option.

Next, ask your repair specialist about the specific parts of your fan that need to be repaired. If any of those parts are hard to find, then they could make your repair process more expensive. If your repair professional has to shop for parts, the process will also take longer. In that case, you may want to think about replacing the entire fan.

Finally, consider the age of your attic fan. Is there a warranty that has run out? Maybe a part or two has been discontinued. If so, replacement is probably the better choice. Likewise, if you want to change the type of fan you use (e.g. switching to a solar model), then you can use this time to replace the fan. Attic fan installation costs an average of $300, though solar fan installation can cost up to $750.

Additional considerations and costs​

• Permits and licenses. If you're repairing your existing fan then you won't have to worry about permits. However, some counties require a permit for installing or replacing an attic fan. Check with your county to see if you'll need a permit.
• DIY. Some attic fan repair problems are relatively simple and can be done without the help of a professional. You can start by checking the fan for debris and making sure that your fan's motor is properly lubricated. Sometimes, cleaning out your fan and/or adding some oil is all it takes to correct a problem. Before you inspect or fix your fan, make sure that it's disconnected. Otherwise, you can risk electric shock or other injuries. If it's an electrical issue or a major problem, you should call a professional.
• Talk to your contractor. Before you hire a contractor, talk to them about the brand, make, and model of your attic fan. It's easier to get parts for some fans than it is for others. You'll want to make sure that your contractor can access the right parts quickly. Ask your contractor about the specific costs associated with your particular fan. This way, you won't risk being caught off guard.
• Fan warranty. Check the warranty on your fan before you decide to do repairs. Your warranty may cover repairs, but if your warranty has run out, see if a full replacement may be a more cost-effective choice.
• Home warranty. Your home warranty may not cover the cost of an attic fan repair. Attic fans aren't found in every house, and home warranty companies are often unclear about what they do and do not cover. If you do have a home warranty, it's worth the effort to ask your provider whether or not they cover this kind of repair. However, don't be surprised if this particular repair isn't covered in your policy.
• Energy efficiency. Although attic fan repair and replacement can be expensive upfront, it may save you money in the long run. Not only do attic fans protect the contents of your attic. they also help keep the upper floors of your house cool. As a result, you may not have to spend as much money on your utility bills every month, especially during the summer. Because heat rises from the lower floors to the upper floors, an attic fan can let that heat escape.
• Lifespan. Attic fans usually last between 10 and 15 years. If your fan is especially old, then it's normal to need a repair or replacement.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Thermostat: A device that senses and regulates temperature by turning heating and cooling devices on and off