How long does an attic fan motor last?

Author: Prof. Paxton Davis  |  Last update: Saturday, December 13, 2025

While attic fan motors are generally expected to last t10-15 years, that number does tend to go down in hotter and more humid environments.

How do I know if my attic fan motor is bad?

Overheating: Does your attic fan feel unusually hot to the touch? Overheating can pose a risk to your home's safety and usually means the fan's motor is failing.

What is the life expectancy of an attic fan?

You can expect your attic fan to last between 10 - 15 years before needing its motor replaced.

How much does it cost to replace the motor in an attic fan?

Replacing a broken motor will cost about $125 for an attic fan and $50 and $100 for a whole-house model. Professional installation will run an added $80 to $100 per hour. Some pros will charge you a disposal fee to get rid of the broken fan.

When to replace an attic fan?

Rattling and banging most likely means the fan blades are banging against the housing as they turn. It sounds like a helicopter with bad blades is sitting on your roof. This will mean it's time to replace it or remove it because it's not a motor problem.

How long do attic fan motors last?

What is the average price to replace an attic fan?

The cost to install an attic fan is $625 on average. Installing a small, passive attic fan may cost you as little as $369, but a larger solar or dual-powered attic fan can surpass $914. Contrary to what their name might suggest, attic fans help to cool your whole house—not just the attic space.

How long do attic fan motors last?

While attic fan motors are generally expected to last t10-15 years, that number does tend to go down in hotter and more humid environments.

Do attic fans need to be serviced?

For most whole-house fans, annual maintenance isn't really much of a need. Whole-house fans that have oil ports to help the motor run will need basic lubrication every few years, but little more. An attic exhaust fan, which is designed only to cool the attic space, almost never requires any maintenance.

How much is labor for fan motor replacement?

The average cost for a Radiator Fan Motor Replacement is between $706 and $751. Labor costs are estimated between $143 and $181 while parts are priced between $562 and $571. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.

Do attic fans lower electric bill?

By removing hot air from your attic, attic fans can help reduce the workload on your air conditioner, which can lead to lower energy bills. They can also prevent ice damming during the winter months, which can cause damage to your roof and home.

Why are attic fans not used anymore?

Why are attic fans not used anymore? Due to inefficiencies in relying on existing attic vents for air intake, attic fans have lost popularity. These vents often aren't designed for this purpose, resulting in inadequate replacement air supply.

What is the life expectancy of a fan motor?

A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.

Who do you call to replace an attic fan?

An electrician, a handyman or an HVAC installer is able to install an attic fan as well. Any of these professionals may charge a fixed installation price or an hourly rate.

What can cause a fan motor to go bad?

Overheating. Overheating is one of the most frequent occurrences that can render the blower motor inoperative. If the motor has overheated, it may shut itself down to prevent damage. You should keep your HVAC clean and clear of any blockages or debris to avoid overheating and maintain efficiency.

What happens when an attic fan stops working?

An attic fan that won't turn on is usually an electrical problem, but it can also be an issue with the fan motor or the thermostat. First, check the circuit breaker that controls the attic fan.

Should my attic fan be running all the time?

Having it running only when it's needed maximizes its benefits for your home's AC and overall energy efficiency. An attic fan thermostat can turn on the fan when it will be helpful and turn it off when it isn't needed, adding to your savings and convenience.

How much does an attic fan motor cost?

Attic fan motor replacement cost

Attic fan motor replacement costs $150 to $650 with labor, depending on the size and type. The motor alone costs $50 to $250 for an attic fan or $150 to $300 for a whole-house model.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a ceiling fan?

The Cost is the Same or Cheaper To Replace a Ceiling Fan

The labor and parts to repair a ceiling fan can add up. First, an electrician needs to troubleshoot and find the problem. Next, there's ordering parts for the ceiling fan (maybe) if it isn't a quick fix.

How long does it take to replace a fan motor?

It typically takes one to four hours for the technician to replace the AC fan motor. Normally, good technicians will check for other issues during this replacement. If more problems are found, they will be repaired as well.

How to tell if an attic fan motor is bad?

If the blade does not spin freely, the attic fan motor or whole assembly must be replaced.

Who would fix an attic fan?

If you have a solar or electric attic fan, it's best to hire a licensed electrician to replace it.

How much does an attic fan cost?

Attic fans range differently depending on what kind of the Attic fan you are installing, you can expect to pay between $350 to $1,000 installed.

Do roofers replace attic fans?

A residential roofing contractor has experience with attic maintenance procedures. They can adequately install an attic fan to ensure you don't have to bear any unnecessary expenses later. They can also help you choose the right attic fan for your home and individual needs.

Is it OK to run an attic fan all night?

If the evenings are cooler, you can try turning the attic cooling fan off until the morning, but if you notice your HVAC system begins to struggle to keep your home comfortable, you may want to keep running the attic fan overnight.

Do ceiling fan motors wear out?

Like any home appliance, ceiling fans wear out as they age. Motors can quit working, wires can become loose or broken, and blades can become worn.

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