How Much Does it Cost To Install A Ceiling Fan? [2024]

With rising energy bills and the need to conserve energy being growing concerns, many Australians are rediscovering the advantages of the traditional ceiling fan.

Ceiling fans are cheaper and more energy-efficient than running the air conditioning, but how much does a ceiling fan cost? Read this guide to find out:

• What are price estimates for different types of ceiling fans?
• How much does it cost to install a ceiling fan?
• What factors affect the cost to install a ceiling fan?
• How do ceiling fans compare to air conditioning?
• Types of ceiling fans
• Can you install a ceiling fan where just a light was?
• How long does it take to install a ceiling fan?
• Do ceiling fans need to be installed by an electrician?
• Hiring an electrician

What are price estimates for different types of ceiling fans?

The cost of ceiling fans starts from around $80 and can increase to $850 or more, depending on their quality and complexity. Expect to pay between:

• Indoor ceiling fan – $100 - $300
• Outdoor ceiling fan – $125 - $750
• Ceiling fan with light – $180 - $850
• Energy Star rated ceiling fan – $80 - $700

These prices are for supply of the ceiling fan only, as the unit will need to be installed by a licensed electrician.

How much does it cost to install a ceiling fan?

Electricians may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for installing and wiring up your ceiling fan.

On average, you can expect to pay between $130 and $200 per fan for installation, or a little less per fan if you're having more than one installed at the same time. If your fan includes new wiring and lighting, expect to pay more.

Fees start from:

• $130 to replace an existing ceiling fan
• $160 to replace an existing fan and light
• $170 to install a new fan
• $200 to install a new fan and light

If your sparkie charges by the hour, the average rate is from $70 - $95 per hour, plus a service fee in the region of $70 - $130, depending on your location. The service fee will usually cover the first 30 minutes they are working on your job.

Only a qualified electrician is legally allowed to install a ceiling fan in your home. It's best to always get at least 3 written quotes before you decide to hire a business.
 

What factors affect the cost to install a ceiling fan?

How much your ceiling fan costs to purchase and install will depend on a number of factors. These can include:

• Size and quality of the fan
• Number of fans being installed at once
• Whether it's a new or replacement fan
• Features such as lights, remote controls and wall controls
• Additional wiring
• High ceilings or other access issues

How do ceiling fans compare to air conditioning?

If you put ceiling fans head-to-head with air conditioning, they both have their pros and cons.

The main advantage of air cons is that they actually cool the air in your rooms. Fans cool by circulating the air around you, so are localised in their effect. Fans can also be less effective of you live in a particularly hot or muggy area, in which case air conditioning can be the better option for comfort.

The advantages of ceiling fans are that they are much cheaper to run and allow you to acclimatise to the heat, rather than insulating you from it. In terms of energy consumption, a ceiling fan uses approximately 65 watts per hour (not much more than a light bulb) compared to 2,200 watts per hour for the average air con unit.

There are more eco-friendly air conditioner systems you can buy that will have a lower impact on the environment and on your energy bills. However, air conditioning installation costs and running costs will always be more expensive than a ceiling fan.

Types of ceiling fans

The first cost you will face when buying a ceiling fan is the cost of the fan itself. This depends on the features and materials used in the fan.

• The cheapest fans have powder coated metal blades. These are suitable for most indoor use, but may corrode eventually if you live on the coast where the air is salty.
• Fans with timber blades are more expensive, but quieter when running. These fans can be better suited for use in bedrooms at night.
• Ceiling fans with stainless steel blades cost more, but are more resistant to corrosion when used outdoors or in coastal properties.
• Lighting and other decorative features will add to the cost of ceiling fans, but enhance their appeal.
• If you want to minimise noise, look for ceiling fans with "cathedral" rather than "bell" canopies, as these are designed to prevent wobbling that can be a source of noise.

Can you install a ceiling fan where just a light was?

A ceiling fan can sometimes be installed in an old light fixture. Your electrician will tell you whether the existing electrical box will support the weight of a ceiling fan, otherwise the installation will cost more.

How long does it take to install a ceiling fan?

Installing a ceiling fan is usually a quick job, but this depends on the complexity of the installation.

• If wiring is already present and the ceiling is accessible, installation can take less than an hour.
• If substantial new wiring or switches need to be installed, or if wires are not easily accessible, the job may take several hours or even a full day.

Do ceiling fans need to be installed by an electrician?

Only a licensed and qualified electrician should install a ceiling fan for you, as wiring is involved. A handyman may be qualified if they have an electrician's license. Trying to install a ceiling fan yourself can risk electrocution and other dangers.

Hiring an electrician

When it's time to hire an electrician to install your ceiling fan, you need to be confident that they are suitably qualified and experienced. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you licensed to carry out electrical work?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

To get a better idea of how much your project will cost, we recommend getting quotes from at least 3 licensed electricians where you live. This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are and give you options to choose from.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.