How much does it cost to install a bathroom fan?

A bathroom fan is a common and effective way to circulate air in a small space, allowing for better circulation and lower humidity. Adding a bathroom fan can help prevent future mold or water damage issues. For this example, we’ll look at the cost of installing a fan in a standard 5’x8’ bathroom, which averages $350-$400. DIY-ers can install their own bathroom fan but an  an electrician can be hired.

Type of fan

Most bathroom fans are installed on the ceiling. A standard exhaust bathroom fan costs $70-$120. A combination fan and heater costs $110-$210. A combination fan and light costs $100-$175. A combination fan, heater, and light costs $125-$225 on average.

There are two key factors in choosing a fan: CFMs and sones ¹. CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is a measurement of airflow. The larger the room, the higher the CFMs you need. A standard 5’x8’ bathroom needs a fan with 70-90 CFM, while a larger bathroom requires a 100-plus CFM fan. Fans with higher CFMs are more expensive by around $30-$60. Sones ¹ are the measurements to indicate how loud a fan is. Look for a fan with 2 sones ¹, which is considered quiet.

Labor

Most electricians charge $65-$85 per hour and can install a bathroom fan in 2-4 hours, for a total labor cost of $130-$340. In general, replacing an existing fan with a newer model is easier and less expensive because the wiring is already in place.

Adding a new fan typically requires adding new wiring or reconfiguring old wiring or ductwork. If wiring or ductwork needs to be changed or rearranged, the installation can take longer and be more expensive. Electricians typically change the wiring in one to two hours, for a total cost of $65-$170.

To install or change air ducts, plumbers typically charge $45-$65 per hour and can finish the process in one to two hours, for a total cost of $45-$130.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Adding a speed control switch costs around $20-$50, plus and extra hour or so ($65-$85) for installation.
• A noise-dampening addition or white noise machine can be added for around $50 on average, plus an extra hour ($65-$85) for installation.
• A humidity sensor ² typically costs $45-$65 plus an hour of installation. This device will automatically turn on the bathroom fan when the room’s humidity reaches a certain level.

Additional considerations and costs

• Combination light fixtures and fans with decorative elements tend to cost more than basic light/fan models, with prices up to $200 or more.
• A contractor supervising the project can increase costs by 15%-20%.
• Removing and disposing of an old fan can add $50-$80 to the total cost.
• Replacing an existing fan with a smaller fan can require an hour or two more work to fill in the hole left from the larger fan.
• Installing a fan on a ceiling that is taller than 10-12 feet can increase the labor time and overall costs by up to 30%.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Sensor: Device that responds to a physical event or change in the environment by emitting an output signal