Hire a roofer if installing a roof-mounted attic fan. Hire a licensed electrician if new wiring is needed. Hire a carpenter if structural changes or framework are needed (typical for a gable-mounted fan). Hire a handyman for fan replacements.
Unless you have previous electrical experience, you should always hire a licensed electrician for any electrical projects. Your electrician will discuss available options and help you select the best fan for your application.
If you have a solar or electric attic fan, it's best to hire a licensed electrician to replace it.
If you're looking to install an attic fan, you'll need to hire a residential roofing contractor to do it for you. It's because attic fans need to be installed the first time correctly. Re-installing them can be an expensive endeavor that you would want to avoid.
If any new wiring is required, an electrician might be the first person you'll want to call. On the other hand, a gable-mounted fan can be fixed or installed by a skilled carpenter. A handyperson can tackle the task of basic attic fan replacement.
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.
Roofers do install attic fans. Actually, it's a good idea to hire a roofer to do it because the installation will require cutting a hole in the roof itself. Once the fan is installed, the area has to be sealed, and new shingles and other roofing materials may have to be added.
If you suspect your attic has ventilation problems, the first step is to call a local roof repair pro for an inspection. Professional roofers will inspect the attic and roof for damage and discuss options for improving ventilation and repairing any existing damage.
Hiring a handyperson for a ceiling fan installation can be a smart option for a simple installation as it can save you some money. However, it's essential to consider the complexity of the job, their licensing and insurance, and knowledge of local codes and regulations.
By removing hot air and circulating air-conditioned air, an attic fan may improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Prevents ice in winter and humidity in summer. When hot air builds up in your attic in the winter, it can melt the snow on your roof that then refreezes, causing damage to your roof.
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.
You can expect your attic fan to last between 10 - 15 years before needing its motor replaced.
For a mid-range fan installation, it starts to get more expensive, ranging between $150-$350 and up to $2,000 or more for the higher end installations. Ceiling fan installation costs $250-$700 for the fan and labor when a fan needs new wiring.
A licensed electrician can handle the job safely and will be sure to verify the power supply, switch, and supports are appropriate for your new ceiling fan.
Ceiling Fan Installation Can Get Complicated
Installing a ceiling fan involves mounting the fan, adding new wiring, and installing a switch. It's a task best left to a licensed electrician. If you want to install or replace a ceiling fan, installing a new model in the exact location is a straightforward job for a pro.
While you may be tempted to do it yourself, the safest way to go is to hire a local roofing company to do the job. Roofers have the training, licensing, and experience needed to install a ventilation system on your roof, without putting you at risk of leaks.
A roofing contractor is the go to person when it comes to the overall health of your roof. They specialize in assessing the physical condition of various components such as vents, soffits, and ridge caps. If you're uncertain about how many vents you need or what size is best, they've got you covered.
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. The pricing varies based on the type of Attic fan, the sizing requirements, and the motor type.
Ridge vents work without any power. They're super awesome when paired with soffit vents, creating a cool airflow loop - cool air enters through the soffit vents, and the hot air exits through the ridge vents. Attic fans are a bit different because they actively move hot air out and bring cool air in.
An attic fan is exactly what it sounds like—it's a fan installed on the ceiling of your attic. It works by drawing hot, humid air out of your attic and pushing it outside. This provides much-needed ventilation and is a powerful addition to your HVAC system.
Winter Air Leakage: Whole house fans can hurt you more in the winter than they help you in the summer. Older models especially can be a big source of air leakage in the attic, causing your heating bills to skyrocket as warm air escapes and cold air seeps in.
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.
Many people don't know that a poorly ventilated attic accelerates shingle aging and warps the roof's wood sheathing. They won't make your roof last forever, but attic fans may reduce the wear and tear, improving the years of use you get out of your roof and delaying expensive replacement costs.