How Much Does It Cost to Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan?

Reviewed by Dan Simms remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Bathroom exhaust fan installation costs an average of $400, or anywhere between $250 and $900 if you don’t already have a fan installed. If you’re replacing an existing fan, expect to pay an average of $200, with prices ranging from $150 to $500. Installing a high-end, Bluetooth-enabled fan that also detects moisture and automatically turns on and off can cost as much as $1,000.

Quick Takeaways

• The average bathroom fan installation cost is $400 if you don’t already have a fan installed, and that drops to $250 if you’re replacing an existing fan.

• Bathroom fans can save you money in the long run by reducing the risk of mold growth and avoiding expensive remediation.

• It’s possible to replace an existing bathroom fan yourself, but installing a new one will require help from an electrician.

Bathroom Fan Installation Cost

Factors That Influence the Cost of Installing a Bathroom Fan

There are a few key things that can affect your total, so be sure to consider the following when pricing out your bathroom ventilation solution.

Scope of Work

The scope of work involved in your bathroom fan installation will be the biggest determining cost factor. There are two reasons you’re likely looking to install a new bathroom fan, and the scope of work varies widely between the two:

• The existing fan needs to be replaced.

• Your home doesn’t already have a fan installed.

Replacing an existing fan is a relatively simple process, and hiring a professional to do the work for you will cost just $200 on average. You could pay as little as $150 if you choose a budget-friendly fan or as much as $500 if you choose a high-end one with added features.

We’ll discuss the labor costs involved with installing and replacing a bathroom fan later, as they can vary quite a bit, but you could save an average of $150 if you do the replacement yourself. This is a straightforward home improvement project that many DIY enthusiasts do themselves, but be sure you have the tools necessary to get the job done safely, including a non-contact voltage detector.

Installing a bath exhaust fan in a bathroom that isn’t already fitted with one will be much more labor-intensive and more expensive. Your professional will have to route a ventilation duct to the outside of your home, which will take quite a bit of time since your walls and ceiling are finished.

The average cost to install a fan from scratch is $400, and prices range from $250 to $900, depending on the location, attic access, fan type, and more.

Fan Type and Location

Bathroom exhaust fans come in three types: ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, and inline. 

The ceiling-mounted fan attaches to the drywall in the ceiling, with ductwork traveling through the attic or the unfinished area between your ceiling and the second-story flooring to the home's exterior. 

Replacing a ceiling exhaust fan will still cost around $200, on average, but installing one for the first time will fall between $400 and $900, depending on accessibility.

A wall-mounted fan is similar, except it’s mounted on an exterior wall and vents directly outside with just a small duct traveling through the exterior wall. 

Replacing an existing wall fan costs about $200, and installing one for the first time will cost between $300 and $500. The lower installation cost is due to the reduced labor necessary, as your professional won’t need to access your attic or run long ventilation ducts through your home.

Finally, an inline fan is placed inside your existing ductwork, so it’s only an option if you have central air or a forced hot air heating system (often called an HVAC system) with a return line located above your bathroom. 

The installation process is similar to that of a ceiling fan, but your expert won’t need to run new ductwork, so your costs will be lower. Expect to pay between $200 and $500 to install an in-line bathroom exhaust fan and around $300 on average.

Fan Features

You can pay as little as $50 in material costs for a basic bath fan, or you could upgrade to a more feature-rich fan, depending on your needs. 

For example, some bathroom vent fans have automatic humidity sensors that detect when ventilation is needed and automatically turn on. Others are Bluetooth-enabled, can be conveniently controlled by your phone, and can even play music. Of course, the more features and convenience your fan provides, the higher the material costs will be.

You can use the table below to get an idea of what your bathroom ventilation fan will cost. Just be sure to account for labor, as well.

Size

Fan ratings indicate how many cubic feet of air they move per minute (CFM), and your material costs will depend on the airflow you need. The size of the fan is directly related to the size of the bathroom, so the larger the square footage, the greater the CFM you need. 

Typically, experts recommend 1 CFM per square foot of space, with 50 CFM being the minimum. When purchasing a fan, the box should indicate the CFM and the recommended bathroom size.

Bathroom exhaust fan cost by size

Labor

The labor cost for bathroom exhaust fan installation averages around $150 for a replacement and $300 for a first-time installation. Labor costs for replacements range from $150 up to $250, while labor for an installation ranges from $250 to $500.

Your labor cost will vary for new installations based on how complicated the job is. If running a flexible duct through the attic or void between floors is made more complicated due to joists or structural components that your professional needs to work around, your labor costs will increase.

Pro tip: All states don’t license handypersons. Always check a handyperson’s qualifications before hiring, especially when the project is electrical.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Replacing an existing fan can be a DIY bathroom job for homeowners with some experience. You can change out a fan if you can handle changing a light fixture, as the process is similar. The main concern is to turn off the electricity at the breaker box before touching anything and to use a non-contact voltage detector to ensure the lines you’re working on aren’t getting power.

However, the job is much more complex if you want to install a fan where one doesn’t already exist. A ceiling-mounted fan requires cutting an opening in the ceiling drywall and the soffit outside, plus running ductwork through the attic from one opening to another. In these cases, you’re better off hiring an electrician to do the job.

Installing a wall-mounted fan includes cutting a hole in the exterior wall of your house. Since it only has a small piece of ductwork, it’s more straightforward for the experienced DIYer, but there’s a risk of water intrusion if you don’t seal the hole properly.

An inline fan installation requires special ductwork skills and is best left to a professional. Mistakes could tank your home’s heating and cooling efficiency, costing you more in the long run than the labor cost to hire a pro in the first place.

Pro tip: Smooth pipe or sheet metal duct minimizes fan noise.

Paying for Your Bathroom Fan Installation

Since installing a bathroom fan is typically under $1,000, most homeowners can handle the expense out of pocket. 

If it’s a stretch for your budget, consider choosing a lower-cost fan and upgrading when funds are available. However, if your project is more involved, or you find hidden damage that needs to be repaired, consider borrowing against your home equity line of credit (HELOC) if you have one.

Other Considerations

• Hidden damage: When doing any home improvement project, there’s always the chance of finding hidden damage in walls, ceilings, basements, or floors. Whether from mold, mildew, rot, or insects, the repairs will add to the project's total cost. 

• Permitting and building codes: Always check with your local building official to see if your home improvement projects require a permit. If you’re DIY-ing the job, ask about particular codes you’ll want to follow so you pass any inspections. When you hire licensed professionals to do the work, they will include this in their pricing.

• Warranties: Check the fan warranty and save it for the future if needed. This could end up saving some money on replacements and repairs.

FAQ: Bathroom Fan Installation