How Much Does Ceiling Fan Installation Cost?

Common Range: $240 to $775

National Average: $375

Updated: November 17, 2023. Written by: Steve Hansen

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Cost Range for Ceiling Fan Installation

The typical cost range to install or replace a ceiling fan is around $240 to $775 for a good quality 52″ fan with lights and pro installation. If you are installing a ceiling fan into a fixture that has never supported a fan before, you may need to reinforce the ceiling fixture first, which can add a few hundreds on to the installed cost.

Average Cost

Average Do It Yourself Cost
$75
Average Contractor Installed Cost
$375
Typical Cost Range
$240 to $775

man installing ceiling fan

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Overview of Home Ceiling Fans

One of the easiest ways to make today’s modern home more efficient is the installation of a ceiling fan. By placing a ceiling fan in one or multiple rooms, homeowners are able to add style and comfort while reducing the load on their cooling system. Ceiling fan installation costs are affordable and make it one of the best home improvements for the money, and also a fairly easy DIY installation for those who have the skills, time, and tools to get it done.

This page of Costimates focuses on the cost to install a ceiling fan. We’ll explore the different options when it comes to purchasing a ceiling fan, the supplies needed to complete the job, and the work involved in installing it correctly. We’ll explain the factors that go into deciding if this is a DIY project for a weekend afternoon and we’ll help you get a good idea how much it cost to install a ceiling fan when hiring a professional. At the bottom of the page, we’ll share a cost comparison table from other leading websites who specialize in home improvement costs, as well as what other homeowners like yourself have paid to install a ceiling fan in their own home.

Ceiling Fan Installation Cost Factors

When shopping for a ceiling fan you may be overwhelmed at the number of options on the market. Ceiling fans range in size, pricing, and decor. The factors below will all play a part in the retail cost of purchasing your new ceiling fan:

  • Size  – Residential ceiling fans are sized by the diameter and number of blades. Most blades range from 29″ to 54″. The most common size is the 52″ model. The size of your room will help determine which size fan you should buy. Lowe’s offers a ceiling fan size guide for determining which size fan is best for the intended room.
  • Decor – Ceiling fans come in a wide variety of styles and materials. The shape of the blade, the number of light fixtures, and the material can make the retail price of a ceiling fan vary drastically. The number of style options is never ending. Choosing a fan that will fit the style and decor of the room is important here.
  • Mount Type – Ceiling fans have 2 standard mount types, downrod and flush. Rooms with a ceiling above 8 feet require a downrod fan mount so that the fan sits closer to the room and can effectively move the air. Flush mount fans are great for rooms with lower ceilings because they do not hang low enough to get in the way or become dangerous. Downrod ceiling fans are usually more expensive due to the extra parts.
  • Remote Control – Remote control ceiling fans are great because they allow you to control the fan from the comfort of your couch. Changing the speed, turning the fan on or off, and controlling the light switch are all features of fans with remote control, but you can expect to pay more if you choose a fan with these features.
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Ceiling Fan and Installation Supplies Costs

The section below highlights the average retail price ranges for a new 52″ ceiling fan:

  • $45 – $75 | For the most basic flush mount ceiling fan with 3-speeds and a 1-3 light fixtures and no remote control.
  • $75 – $125 | Most downrod ceiling fans with 3-speeds, 1-3 light fixtures and no remote control.
  • $140 – $250 | Higher end residential ceiling fans with up to 6-speeds, a remote control, high quality materials and noise-reduction.
  • $250 – $600 | Very high end models with advanced features, multiple motors and blade kits, remote, etc.

Note: Many of the above prices also apply to indoor/outdoor ceiling fans. It is important to choose a ceiling fan that is rated for outdoor use if you are planning on an outdoor installation.

Cost of Installation Supplies

The cost of replacing a ceiling fan will depend greatly on whether or not you have an existing light fixture in place. Installing a ceiling fan where you already have a light fixture usually only requires a few supplies and sometimes none at all if the fixture mounting was reinforced for a fan originally. If you plan on installing a ceiling fan in a room that does not have an overhead light fixture you will want to contact an electrician or handyman to install the reinforced ceiling fan mounting box, run the wires and install the fan properly.

  • $5 – $10 | Electrical box mount – If your current electrical box mount is meant for a light fixture you may need to replace it with a box designed to support a heavier ceiling fan.
  • $0 – $25 | Screwdriver, wire caps, voltage detector, etc.
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Permits, Inspection, and Installation Cost

If you are installing a ceiling fan in a location that already has a light fixture or electrical box, most states do not require a permit. Installation of a new electrical fixture does usually require a permit, although some states do not require this permit if the work is being performed by a licensed electrician.

  • $50 – $200 ea. | Electrical Permits/Inspections (if needed)

Installation Labor Factors

If you need to install a ceiling fan in a spot that does not already have a light fixture in place then it’s time to call a handyman or electrician. This type of installation requires new wiring to the ceiling fan location, as well as a new wall switch. In most cases handymen will expect you to purchase the fan and then charge a labor fee to assemble the fan, install it and balance the blades.

A few factors will determine how much your price to install a ceiling fan is going to cost:

  • Attic Access – Installing a new electrical fixture to support a fan requires running electrical wires to the location. Access to an attic above the area of installation will reduce the amount of labor required.
  • Ceiling height – Fans being installed in a room with a high ceiling will require more work and may even require additional parts. If your ceiling is above the standard height you may need a longer downrod to make the fan effective. If your ceiling is above 14′ you can expect the cost to go up by at least $60.
  • Wall switches – Depending on the room of the ceiling fan installation you may find it convenient to add in multiple wall switches. This will increase your labor and parts cost.

Average Ceiling Fan Installation Cost

  • $75 – $150 – Estimated cost to install a ceiling fan in place of an existing fixture. If you are replacing an existing fan you can expect the installation cost to be on the lower end.
  • $150 – $275 – Estimated cost to install a ceiling fan in a new location without a reinforced electrical fixture.

Completed Installation Time

  • 1 – 2 Hours | The most basic ceiling fan replacement can be done in just a couple hours with the right tools.
  • 2 -4 Hours | Hiring a professional to install a new ceiling fan can usually be done in a few hours even if they need to run new wiring.
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Ceiling fans make a great addition to your home for both look, appeal and of course functionality. Explore these related projects at Costimates.


Are You a Pro Ceiling Fan Installer or Electrician?

If so, head over to our Costimates Pro’s page, and help us make this page better and more accurate for both our visitors and your future customers.

DIY or Hire a Pro

This really depends on two factors. First, if you don’t have a receptacle in the ceiling capable of supporting a ceiling fan, it might be easier to call in a pro, who can handle everything quickly and easily. Second, you must be comfortable working with electricity and know about wiring. If you aren’t, then it could result in a serious (or deadly) electrical shock. I’ve been there and taken a jolt or two when I though the power was turned off.

In the end, I have replaced many ceiling fans over the years and will do so again. I’ve been a handyman in my home for more than 30 years and have the right tools and knowledge (now) to get it done myself. For many however, its going to be easier to call a handyman or electrician, taking any safety factors and guesswork out of trying to install a ceiling fan yourself.

Get Ceiling Fan Installation Cost Quotes

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Reviewed and edited by Steve Hansen of Costimates

steve hansen of costimates-sm Steve Hansen, that's me, the Senior Editor of Costimates. (Learn more about myself and our team) I'm an avid home improvement professional with more than 37 years experience working on all types of residential new home building, upfits, repairs and remodeling.

"Like most homeowners, I was frustrated with the lack of quality information available on specific home improvement repairs and renovations. In 2015, Costimates was formed to help homeowners learn as much as possible about various projects and their costs so they could make better financial decisions."