Installing a bathroom exhaust fan typically costs about $250 to $600 to replace an existing fan, or about $700 to $1,800 for a new installation with ductwork, an outside vent, and wiring. Labor alone usually runs $150 to $350 for a replacement.
Use the calculator below to price your fan, venting, and installation, then read on for costs by fan type, how to size a fan, and when to call an electrician.
Bathroom exhaust fan installation cost calculator
Bathroom exhaust fan installation cost by project
| Project | Typical installed cost | Labor only |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a fan, same opening | $250 – $600 | $150 – $350 |
| Replace and upsize the fan or duct | $350 – $750 | $250 – $500 |
| New installation, vented through the roof | $750 – $1,800 | $350 – $800 |
| New installation, vented through a wall | $700 – $1,700 | $350 – $800 |
| New installation with no attic access | $950 – $2,400 | $350 – $800 |
Cost by fan type
For a replacement in the same opening, installed by an electrician:
| Fan type | Typical installed cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Basic fan | $180 – $430 | Inexpensive, but often loud and underpowered |
| Quiet fan (1 sone or less) | $250 – $600 | The best value for most bathrooms |
| Fan with light | $230 – $600 | Combines ceiling light and ventilation in one fixture |
| Humidity-sensing fan | $250 – $650 | Turns on automatically when the room gets steamy |
| Fan with heater | $500 – $1,200 | Usually needs its own circuit |
| Inline or remote fan | $600 – $1,250 | Motor mounts in the attic, so it’s very quiet |
What affects the cost
- Replacement vs. new installation: Swapping a fan in the same opening is quick. A new fan needs a ceiling cutout, ductwork, an outside vent, and usually new wiring.
- Attic access: With a walkable attic above, installers can run ducts and wiring easily. Without it, they may have to cut and patch the ceiling, adding about $200 to $600.
- Vent location: Roof vents cost about $150 to $350 and wall or soffit vents about $100 to $250.
- Wiring: New wiring and a switch add about $150 to $400. A heater fan typically needs a dedicated circuit, about $200 to $500.
- Controls: A timer or humidity-sensing switch adds about $50 to $150 and helps make sure the fan runs long enough to clear moisture.
- Fixing old venting: If your current fan vents into the attic, rerouting it outside adds about $100 to $300.
How to size a bathroom fan
Fans are rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for airflow and in sones for noise.
- Bathrooms up to 100 square feet: at least 1 CFM per square foot, with a 50 CFM minimum. A 5 × 8 bathroom needs about 50 CFM.
- Larger bathrooms: add up about 50 CFM for each toilet, shower, and tub, and 100 CFM for a jetted tub.
- Long duct runs: choose a fan with extra capacity if the duct is long or has several bends.
- Noise: 1 sone or less is very quiet. Fans of 3 or 4 sones are noticeably loud.
Many building codes require an exhaust fan in bathrooms without an openable window, and every fan should vent to the outdoors. Learn more in our bathroom ventilation guide.
Electrician vs. handyman vs. DIY
- Electrician: The right choice for new installations, new wiring or circuits, heater fans, and anything that requires a permit.
- Handyman: Often fine for swapping a fan into the same housing with existing wiring, typically $210 to $510 for a quiet fan.
- DIY: A like-for-like replacement can cost as little as $100 to $250 for a quiet fan if you’re comfortable working with the power off and in the attic.
Signs you need a new bathroom fan
- The mirror stays fogged long after a shower
- Mildew on the ceiling, walls, or grout
- Peeling paint or warped trim
- A loud, rattling, or humming fan
- A fan that doesn’t hold a square of toilet paper against the grille when running
Planning a bigger project? A new fan is included in our bathroom remodel cost calculator and bathroom addition cost calculator, or browse all our cost calculators.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install a bathroom exhaust fan?
Replacing an existing bathroom fan typically costs about $250 to $600 installed by an electrician for a quiet fan. Installing a fan where there wasn’t one, with new ductwork, a roof or wall vent, and wiring, usually costs about $700 to $1,800.
How much does an electrician charge to replace a bathroom fan?
Labor to replace a fan in the same opening usually costs about $150 to $350. If the opening or duct needs to be enlarged for a bigger fan, expect about $250 to $500. A new installation typically runs $350 to $800 in labor, plus venting and wiring.
Can I replace a bathroom exhaust fan myself?
Often, yes, if you’re replacing a fan with one that fits the same housing and wiring, and you can safely turn off the circuit and reach the attic. Adding a new circuit, running new wiring, or cutting a roof vent is best left to a pro.
What size bathroom exhaust fan do I need?
For bathrooms up to 100 square feet, a common rule is at least 1 CFM per square foot, with a 50 CFM minimum. Larger bathrooms are often sized by fixture, with about 50 CFM each for the toilet, shower, and tub, and 100 CFM for a jetted tub.
Is it okay to vent a bathroom fan into the attic?
No. A bathroom fan should vent to the outdoors through a roof, wall, or soffit vent. Venting into the attic can cause moisture, mold, and rot. Fixing an attic-vented fan typically costs $100 to $300 for new ductwork, plus a vent if needed.
How long do bathroom exhaust fans last?
Many bathroom fans last about 10 years. Replace yours if it’s loud, rattles, no longer clears steam, or the motor hums without spinning.
Estimates are national average costs for 2027 planning and are not quotes. See our disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.
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