How Much Does it Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan?

Updated March 3, 2021

Reviewed by Salvatore Cutrona, Licensed Master Electrician. Written by HomeAdvisor.

Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fan installation costs $246 on average and usually runs between $144 and $352. Hard to access or complex installations might hit $600. Labor costs $100 to $250. Residential fans cost $50 to $1,400 with commercial types hitting $3,500 or more. Adding wiring and a switch adds another $150 to $500 or more, depending on the complexity of the installation.

On This Page:

1. Average Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan
2. Ceiling Fan Installation Costs
   1. Without Existing Wiring
   2. With Existing Wiring
   3. Cost to Install Two
   4. Fan with Light Cost
3. Cost to Replace
4. Labor Cost
5. Ceiling Fan vs. AC Cost
6. DIY vs. Hire a Pro
7. FAQs

Ceiling Fan Installation Costs

Ceiling fan installations cost $100 to $2,000, including both labor and the unit. You can keep the price down by choosing an inexpensive type and placing it somewhere with easy access and already existing electrical circuits.

Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan Without Existing Wiring

Installing a ceiling fan without existing wiring costs anywhere from $350 to $2,000. Extreme jobs, where no circuit exists, might add another $1,000 to $2,000.

Your pro needs to open holes in the walls, drill holes, run wires, install boxes and do final hookups at the junction box.

Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan with Existing Wiring

Installing a ceiling fan with existing wiring costs $100 to $300 on average for a basic install. Style plays a part with some units running $1,400 for designer level comfort.

Your pro installs the unit on an existing light box. They place a brace in the ceiling if the box isn’t rated to hold the weight of the entire unit. While less expensive, you won’t have your light and fan on separate switches. To get switch power, you’d need to run another line and add a larger box and switch. Installing a switch costs $100 to $200.

Another option to control the light and fan separately without installing additional wiring would be to purchase a fan that comes with a remote control. Most range between $150 and $300 without installation.

Cost to Have Two Ceiling Fans Installed

Installing two ceiling fans costs $200 to $600 on average but can hit $4,000 for high end brands and styles. Sometimes you’ll save a little money putting in multiple fans. Examples of this include:

• First hour rates: Electricians often charge 1.5 to 2 times their hourly rate for the first hour of service to cover travel fees. So, you’ll save $50 to $100 if you have more than one done at the same time.

• New circuits: If you’re putting in two in the same room, you’ll pay less to run the wires since it’ll only mean opening one set of holes to run the wires for both units. It also means only one set of switches and one switch box reducing both materials and time.

Ceiling Fan with Light Installation Cost

Installing a ceiling fan with a light costs $100 to $300 on average. With new wiring to separate out the blades from the light on different switches, you might pay $500 or more. When replacing a light with a light plus fan combo, you’ll often simply use the existing wiring and settle for using the pull chain on the unit to start the blades, or use the remote if the unit comes with one.

Consult Ceiling Fan Installers for Project Quotes

Cost to Replace Ceiling Fan

Replacing a ceiling fan with another unit costs $100 to $300 on average. You won’t need any wiring or supports. It’ll be a simple pull and replace. It is a great time to upgrade the wiring and reinforce the supports behind it, but not usually necessary.

Cost to Repair A Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fan repairs cost $80 to $200 on average. You might save a little repairing what you have rather than replacing it. Often, this process involves putting new parts in, but saving the overall unit.

Labor Cost to Install Ceiling Fan

Labor costs make up $50 to $200 of the price on average. A handyman costs $25 to $50 per hour while a licensed electrician ranges from $50 to $100 per hour.

Prices range based on how hard it is to put in. Labor and materials (not including the price of the fan) range based on installation complexity:

• Basic installations: $100-$300. Includes replacing a simple light with a fan, putting a brace in, but with all wiring and switches already existing. It could also mean placing one in a ceiling with open attic access above it. These can take from 1 to 2 hours with minimal or no mess.

• Complex installations: $300-$600. Often requires new wiring, boxes and switches. Often means limited access. These might take 2 to 4 hours, require extra materials and cutting small holes in the wall or ceiling.

Cost of Electrician to Install Ceiling Fan

An electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour but often charges $150 to $200 for the first hour. Many of them have set rates for installing a ceiling fan, often $200 to $300. For a simple pull and replace, it’s cheaper to go with a handyman. But for anything involving installing new circuits, panels or junction boxes, you’ll want a licensed electrician.

Ceiling Fan vs. AC Cost

Ceiling fans cost only $250 on average to install, including the unit. That’s 4% the cost of installing central air. Not to mention it’s far less costly to run.

Even if you put 6 of them in at a total of $1,500 to $2,000, that’s about 25% of the price of putting in AC.

• Installing central air conditioning costs $4,000-$7,500.

• Installing ductless AC costs $2,000-$14,500.

Compare Quotes From Ceiling Installation Pros

DIY Ceiling Fan Installation vs. Hire a Pro

It’s dangerous to DIY electrical systems unless you’re experienced and qualified to hook up home circuits. If you’ve ever seen a wobbly, drooping fan, that’s likely the work of an inexperienced installer. They need to not only have correct wiring, but also correct supports with a level install to reduce vibrations. Don’t risk harming your ceiling or yourself. Hire a local ceiling fan installer, a local handyman or find an electrician near you.

FAQs

How much does an outdoor ceiling fan cost?

Adding a fan to a pergola, gazebo or other outdoor living space costs $100 to $300. If you need wiring, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 more for the circuit, switch and electrical boxes. You’ll also need to make sure you purchase one that’s outdoor specific, which has weather resistant construction.

Do you need an electrician to install a ceiling fan?

You don’t always need an electrician to install a ceiling fan. Depending on your local code requirements, you can often have a handyman install one.

What style of ceiling fan should I get?

You should get a ceiling fan that matches the décor of your home. Out of place styles stick out and may detract from the home’s salability later. If you’re unsure which design to go with, talk to a designer.

Interior decorators cost $2,000 to $12,000 but for that price they create a plan for your entire home. You can choose from every possible style including traditional carved oak to slick stainless steel, to fans that resemble the propellers of old airplanes.

How big of a fan should I get?

They evenly distribute air throughout a room, so the size of your room can dictate the size of the blades and motor. In exceptionally large rooms, consider putting in more than one. Use the following table to determine the size of fan you should purchase:

How much does a ceiling fan cost to run?

A fan costs $44 to $88 per year if you run it nonstop. That’s assuming it costs about $0.05 to $0.09 to run a fan every hour based on a range of 50 to 80 kilowatts per hour and an average national rate of $0.11 per KWH for electricity.

How do you install a ceiling fan?

Note: electricity can cause extreme harm and death. If you’re not experienced working with electrical wiring, call an electrician.

To install a ceiling fan, you’ll need to determine if you’re putting it in a place with existing wiring and boxes or installing new wires. For existing boxes, wires and general replacement, follow these steps:

• Turn the power to the circuit off at the breaker box.

• Remove the old light and disconnect the wiring.

• Install supports to carry the weight of the unit.

• Install the housing on the existing box.

• Wire the unit following code and manufacturers requirements.

• Assemble the unit following enclosed instructions.

• Turn the power back on and test it.

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