How much does a good bathroom fan cost?

Written by

Tara Farmer

September 14, 2023

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Bathroom exhaust fan installation cost

Bathroom exhaust fan installation costs $150 to $550 when replacing an existing fan. The cost to install a new bathroom fan is $250 to $950 to vent outside through the wall or roof. The bathroom extractor fan itself costs $20 to $400, depending on the type and features.

*Midrange fan with standard features.

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Average cost to install a bathroom exhaust fan

The following table shows the average cost to replace a bathroom exhaust fan.

*Cost data is based on 220 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

New exhaust fan prices for bathroom

A new exhaust fan for a bathroom costs $20 to $400 before labor, depending on the type and features.

• A basic toilet exhaust fan costs $20 to $50.

• A high-end, EnergyStar-rated bathroom exhaust fan with lights, motion and humidity sensors, and adjustable speed costs $200 to $400.

*Not including installation labor.

Inline bath exhaust fans are installed in remote locations, connect to multiple ventilation fans, and reduce noise.

Bathroom extractor fan prices by sones rating

Fan sound levels are measured in sones. The higher the sones rating, the louder the fan. Quieter bathroom ventilation fans cost more.

*Not including installation labor.

Straight and smooth ductwork minimize fan noise.

Bathroom exhaust fan cost by room size & CFMs

Bathroom extractor fans need at least one cubic foot per minute (CFM) for each square foot of bathroom floor space.

For bathrooms over 100 square feet:

• Add 50 CFM per toilet, bath, shower, or combination.

• Add 100 CFM for whirlpools.

*Not including installation labor.

Cost breakdown to install a bathroom fan

The cost to install a bathroom fan costs $200 to $800 in labor alone and requires electrical wiring, ductwork, venting, and sometimes roof work.

• Most electricians and handymen charge $40 to $100 per hour to install bathroom fans.

• Bathroom fan installation takes 4 to 8 hours.

*For a mid-range fan with standard features.

Cost factors include the fan type, bathroom location, outside vent location, existing wiring conditions, and overall complexity.

Complex installations may require multiple pros:

• Handymen charge $50 to $80 per hour.

• Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour.

• HVAC services charge $70 to $150 per hour.

Bathroom vent installation cost

New air ducts may be required to provide vent access to the outside. Ductwork installation costs $50 to $150 on average for a bathroom vent.

• Bathroom fans must vent to the outside through a sidewall, roof, or behind a gable or soffit.

• Connecting ducting to an existing roof or wall vent is possible but may cause airflow and condensation problems inside the home due to back drafting.

• Bathroom fans typically come with 3", 4", or 6" duct sizing.

Cost to install bathroom exhaust fan through roof

The average cost to install a bathroom exhaust fan through the roof is $350 to $950, plus permit fees. The cost depends on the bathroom location, accessibility, and roof type. Avoid roof venting when possible because it's more prone to leaks than sidewall venting.

Installing a ridge roof vent costs $7 to $15 per linear foot or $350 and $600 on average.

Avoid roof venting when possible because it's more prone to leaks than sidewall venting.

Cost to vent a bathroom fan through the wall

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Venting a bathroom fan through the wall costs $250 to $800 for new installation. Pricing depends on the distance from the bathroom to the outside wall, existing electrical wiring, fan type, and exterior siding material.

Cost to replace a bathroom fan

Bathroom fan replacement costs $150 to $550. Homeowners should replace bathroom vent fans every 10 years.

• Fan and vent installers charge $50 to $100 per hour for labor, and replacement takes 2 to 3 hours.

• Wiring a new switch costs $100 to $250 more.

For no-cut installation, choose a new ceiling fan with the same dimensions as the old fan.

DIY costs to replace a bathroom extractor fan

Replacing a bathroom exhaust fan yourself costs $20 to $400 for the new fan and takes 2 to 3 hours. Choose a fan that matches the existing air duct's size for the least complicated installation.

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Installing a completely new bathroom fan is not a DIY project. It requires professional experience, tools, ductwork, electrical wiring, cutting through the walls or ceiling, and sometimes cutting through the roof.

Working with electricity can be dangerous. For your safety, hire a licensed electrician or handyman.

Bathroom exhaust fan FAQs

What are bathroom fans for?

Bathroom fans pull moisture from the air. Reduced humidity levels prevent moisture damage, paint and wallpaper peeling, and mold and mildew growth. Fresh air from bathroom fans also removes odors. Drier air also keeps mirrors from fogging, windows and doors from warping, and fixtures from rusting.

Most building codes require bathrooms to have ventilation from a ceiling fan or window.

Do I need a permit to install a bathroom fan?

A permit is typically required when installing a bathroom fan for the first time. Installations involving electrical, duct, and roof work may require multiple permits. 

Permits cost $30 to $500 for wiring and ductwork and $70 to $250 for roofing modifications.

Do bathroom exhaust fans need to be vented outside?

Yes, bathroom exhaust fans require outside ventilation through a sidewall, roof, or behind a gable or soffit vent. Venting a bathroom fan into the attic, garage, or any space within the house causes moisture damage, wood rot, and mold problems.

• The best bathroom exhaust vent location is on the building side, away from any overhangs.

• Roof venting is common but is more susceptible to leaks.

Do not use existing gable or soffit vents for bathroom exhaust. Instead, create separate vents at least 10 feet from the existing vents to prevent moist air from funneling back into the house.

Can a bathroom exhaust fan be mounted on the wall?

Many bathroom exhaust fans can be mounted on the wall. Check with the manufacturer if the fan does not specify wall mounting.

• Mount bathroom exhaust fans as close to the ceiling as possible because moist, hot air rises.

• Bathroom fans with lighting or heating functions should only be ceiling mounted.

How long does it take to install an exhaust fan?

Replacing an existing bathroom fan takes 2 to 3 hours. Installing a new exhaust fan takes 4 to 8+ hours, depending on the ease of access and installation complexity.

How much electricity does a bathroom fan use?

Standard bathroom exhaust fans use 50+ watts, while energy-efficient models use as little as 5 watts. Bathroom fans running 2 hours per day use $0.50 to $5.00 of electricity per year. Electricity usage depends on the fan size, airflow (CFM), energy efficiency, and features.

Do bathroom fans remove smell?

Bathroom exhaust fans remove smells by drawing out the odorous air and replacing it with new air. Complete air replacement takes 8 minutes on average.

What size CFM bathroom fan do I need?

The Home Ventilating Institute guidelines recommend at least one cubic foot per minute (CFM) per square foot of floor space for bathroom fans. For bathrooms over 100 square feet, add:

• 50 CFM per toilet

• 50 CFM per shower, bath, and combination

• 100 CFM per whirlpool

Continuous run fans require a lower CFM rating—a 20 CFM continuous fan is sufficient to replace a 50 CFM non-continuous exhaust fan.

How much does kitchen exhaust fan installation cost?

Installing a kitchen exhaust fan costs $450 to $900. The cost depends on the fan type, features, and if the installation requires new wiring and ductwork.

Who to hire to vent and install a bathroom exhaust fan?

Hire an electrician or handyman near you to install a bathroom exhaust fan. If there is no current bathroom exhaust fan, hire a local plumbing company or HVAC specialist with the expertise to install new ductwork and vents.

Before hiring a pro, be sure to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.

• Look for licensed handymen, electricians, or HVAC professionals.

• Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.

• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.

• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.

• Never pay in full before the project starts. Pay instead for work completed.

Questions to ask bath fan installers

• How long have you been in business?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Is the fan price included in the installation fee?

• What is and is not included in the installation fee?

• Will you install a fan I purchase separately?

• What additional costs might come up during the installation?

• Which method of outside venting do you recommend for my bathroom fan and why?

• How long will the installation take?

• Is a warranty included, and if so, what does it cover?

• What do you charge for repairs?

• Will the fan require any ongoing maintenance?

• How long should I run the fan after a shower?

If your bathroom is over 100 square feet, you should instead calculate CFMs by the number and type of fixture:

• Bathtub: 50 CFMs

• Shower: 50 CFMs

• Toilet: 50 CFMs

• Jetted tub: 100 CFMs

For example, a bathroom with a stand-up shower, toilet, and jetted tub would need a fan with at least a 200 CFM rating, while a bathroom that’s more than 100 square feet with only a standard bathtub and toilet would need a fan with at least a 100 CFMrating.

Note: If a toilet is separated from the rest of the bathroom by a door, it’s a good idea to install a separate exhaust fan above the toilet; 50 CFM should suffice.

Bath Fan Installation Cost by Type

The price of a new bathroom exhaust fan can range from $20 to $500 for a ceiling insert, $30 to $240 for a wall insert, and $100 to $300 for an inline fan.

If you’re replacing an existing fan of the same type, your overall bathroom vent installation cost will be lower because there shouldn’t be any drywall work, major rewiring, or new ductwork necessary.

When designing a new bathroom, you can choose the type of exhaust fan you prefer without additional cost implications.