How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Bathroom Fan?

Cost Breakdown for Bathroom Fan Installation and Replacement

The basic cost of a bathroom exhaust fan depends on the type you choose. Still, you can expect a price range of between $30 and $400. A basic exhaust fan with a single speed and no additional features will be close to the lower end of the price range, while a fan with multiple speeds and a heat lamp will be at the more expensive end.

The installation cost can be broken down into several separate costs, especially if the installation requires the ducts, outside vent, and wiring. Naturally, a completely new installation will be significantly more expensive than simply installing a fan with existing ductwork and wiring.

Contractor Cost

• General Contractor: In full installations, a general contractor may be needed to install the ductwork and open installation sites inside and on the roof or exterior wall. The average hourly cost for a general contractor is between $50 and $80 an hour.
• HVAC Contractor: If your exhaust fan needs to connect to an HVAC system, you may choose to hire an HVAC contractor to complete the work. To hire this type of contractor, you can expect to pay an average of $70 to $150 an hour.
• Electrician: Bathroom exhaust fans will have wiring that connects to the home’s electrical system. If the exhaust vent is a brand-new installation, the electrician may need to run wiring from the home’s electrical box. The average hourly cost for hiring an electrician is between $40 and $100.

Vents and Ducts

• New ducts: A new duct installation is necessary to connect the bathroom fan to the outside vent. Ductwork averages between $50 and $150.
• Roof vent: Bathroom fans that vent through the top of the house require the roof to open to accommodate the exterior vent. The average cost of installing venting through the roof is between $350 and $950.
• Wall vent: Bathroom fans that vent through the exterior wall require that wall to accommodate the vent. Pricing will depend on the distance from the bathroom to the outside vent, with an average ranging from $250 and $800.

Bathroom Fan Replacement

• Product: The average cost of a bathroom fan replacement is between $30 and $400, fluctuating according to the fan’s features and overall quality.
• Installation: You can expect to pay an average of between $50 and $100 per hour for 2 to 3 hours of work.
• New switch: You can expect to pay an average of between $100 and $250 to have the new switch wired.

Factors Involved in Bathroom Fan Installation Cost

Installing or replacing bathroom exhaust fans is never a matter of simply going to the store and buying the first one you see. Several factors affect the overall cost of installing a bathroom fan.

These factors include the following:

• Type of fan: There are three types of bathroom exhaust fans, which are wall, ceiling, and window. Each of these types will have different costs associated with them.
• Quality: The quality of the fan will impact the price, with the better-quality products being higher in price.
• Accessibility: If you choose a ceiling exhaust fan, you may need to access your loft to install it. If the loft is not easily accessible, this will affect the installation cost.
• Switch type: Exhaust fans can be automatic when the light is turned on, or they can have a pull cord or an on/off switch. These switch options may be priced differently since they each require different wiring.
• Features: Some bathroom fans have different speed settings or even a built-in heat lamp to take the chill out of a cool bathroom. An exhaust fan with additional features will naturally be more expensive.
• Wiring: The condition or the location of your existing wiring can affect the total cost, especially if it’s necessary to replace any of it when you install the exhaust fan.
• Labor: While the installation may look straightforward, it’s a complicated process. If you hire a professional, you can expect to pay a few hours’ worth of labor costs.
• Finish: After you install the fan, you may want to touch up the plaster, paint, or tile around the installation site to make the finished project look good. Your materials and labor will incur extra costs.
• Electrical circuits: Bathroom fans with built-in heaters require their 20-amp electrical circuit. This additional necessity will increase the overall cost of your project.

DIY or Professional Installation?

Whether the project requires wiring a bathroom fan or doing a brand-new installation that includes ductwork and exterior vents, the process can be complex. Additionally, the project may require work that takes you out of your comfort zone — like climbing onto the roof or opening a hole in your ceiling. Perhaps you don’t have the tools necessary to complete the installation or aren’t a handy person. Hiring a professional is a solid choice if you aren’t comfortable with the type of work or don’t feel confident in your handy skills.

While it’s true that installing or replacing a bathroom fan yourself will save you a substantial amount of money, the complex nature of the project may make hiring a professional the better option.