Attic or whole house fan repair professionals near you

Before hiring someone to repair your attic or whole-house fan, be sure to ask your pro these questions:

• Are you licensed, insured, and experienced with my specific type of attic or whole-house fan?

• What's your process for diagnosing the problem, and will you explain the issue to me before starting work?

• Can you provide a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the costs for parts and labor?

• What kind of parts will you use for the repair? Are they new and from the original manufacturer or a third party?

• How long will the repair take?

• What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer on your work and the new parts?

• Who will perform the work, and what does cleanup look like after the job is done?

Common signs it’s time to repair your attic or whole-house fan include:

• Loud or unusual noises. If you hear grinding, rattling, or squealing, it could mean the motor bearings are worn out or parts have come loose.

• Weak airflow. A fan that isn't moving much air may have a failing motor, damaged blades, or an obstruction of some kind.

• The fan won’t start. This could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or faulty switch — or a bigger issue like a burned-out motor.

• Excessive vibration. While a little movement is normal, heavy shaking can indicate unbalanced blades or loose mountings that need attention.

• Erratic operation. A fan that turns on and off randomly may have a problem with its thermostat or electrical wiring.

Some of the most common issues attic fan pros repair include:

• Worn-out motors. Over time, a fan's motor can fail from age or overheating, which may prevent the fan from starting or cause it to run slowly.

• Broken or slipped belts. Many whole-house fans connect the motor to the blades with a belt, which can stretch, crack, or break and cause the fan to stop working.

• Electrical issues. Problems like a faulty wall switch, loose wiring, or a tripped circuit breaker can cut power to the fan.

• Excessive noise or vibration. Unbalanced blades, worn-out bearings, or loose shutters can rattle, squeak, or shake when the fan is running.

• Damaged fan blades. A bent or broken blade can throw the entire unit off balance, leading to loud noises and poor airflow.

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• The type of fan. Repairing a simple attic fan often costs less than fixing a larger, more complex whole-house fan system.

• The specific issue. A minor fix, like replacing a belt or a switch, will be less expensive than a major repair, such as replacing the entire motor or addressing electrical wiring problems.

• Accessibility. If your fan is in a hard-to-reach area of the attic, the job may require more time and effort.

• Replacement parts. The cost of parts can vary significantly. A new thermostat or shutter is typically less expensive than a new motor, which is one of the costliest components to replace.

• Labor. The technician’s hourly rate and the amount of time it takes to diagnose and complete the repair are major cost components.

An attic fan usually lasts about 15 to 25 years, though the entire unit can last much longer with proper care. To get the most out of your fan, it’s a good idea to have it inspected and maintained regularly. For typical lifespan references, see InterNACHI’s life expectancy chart.