Whole House Ventilation System Cost: Prices & Running Costs

A whole-house ventilation system is a planned way to bring fresh outdoor air into your home and push stale, humid, or polluted air out using fans, ducts, and controls. Unlike air conditioning, which recirculates and cools indoor air, ventilation continuously exchanges air to improve comfort, control moisture, and support healthy indoor air quality—often while reducing reliance on AC. Depending on the approach—from a simple whole-house fan to a ducted ERV/HRV—installed costs typically span from under $1,000 to well over $8,000.

This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay and why. You’ll see average installed prices at a glance, what’s included in a system, and costs by type (ERV, HRV, balanced, exhaust, supply, smart, and whole-house fans). We’ll cover costs by home size and airflow (CFM), labor and permits, running costs and savings, ventilation vs AC, rebates, DIY vs pro, and a quote checklist—so you can budget with confidence. Next up: typical installed costs.

Average installed cost at a glance

If you’re pricing a whole-house ventilation system, most homeowners spend $2,400 to $8,000 installed, with many projects landing around $4,000. Small, single-area jobs can be far less, while advanced, integrated systems can be significantly more. Your final number hinges on system type, home size/CFM, ducting complexity, and controls.

• Typical project: $2,400–$8,000 installed; national “most pay” about $4,000
• Entry-level scope: Attic/room fans or supply/exhaust, roughly $120–$1,000 per room
• Whole-house fan: About $900–$2,500 installed (average ~ $1,700)
• Ducted ERV/HRV/balanced: Roughly $1,300–$4,600+ installed; demand-controlled $2,400–$8,000
• Hybrid/smart systems: About $7,000–$10,000+ (some smart setups up to $15,000)

Next, here’s what’s typically included in a whole-house system.

What’s included in a whole-house ventilation system

A whole-house ventilation setup pairs fans or a ventilator with ducting, exterior terminations, and controls. Scope varies by type, but most installs include the unit, dedicated ducts, intake/exhaust hoods to the outside, basic filtration, electrical wiring, and a wall control or sensors.

• Balanced/ERV/HRV: Ventilator with heat/energy recovery core, supply/exhaust ducts, exterior hoods, filters, and controls.
• Supply/exhaust: Inline or wall fan, a dedicated duct path, exterior hood, backdraft damper, and simple control.
• Whole-house fan: Ceiling grille, insulated duct, quiet remote motor housing, insulated damper/shutters, and wall/remote control.
• Smart options: Zoning vents, IAQ/CO2 and humidity sensors, smart thermostat/hub, and app control.

Cost by system type (ERV, HRV, whole-house fan, balanced, exhaust, supply, smart)

Your whole house ventilation system cost depends most on the technology you choose. Simpler exhaust or supply systems land on the low end, while balanced, demand-controlled, and smart setups add sensors, recovery cores, and controls that raise price—but also boost comfort and efficiency. Here’s what typical installed prices look like.

• Whole-house fan: $900–$2,500 installed; low-cost, high-airflow cooling assist (evenings)
• ERV (energy recovery ventilator): $500–$1,700 installed; best for humid/hot regions to manage moisture with fresh air
• HRV (heat recovery ventilator): $1,300–$2,400 installed; favored in colder climates to temper incoming air
• Supply-only system: ~$1,200–$2,400 installed; pressurizes with filtered outdoor air; simple, low cost
• Exhaust-only system: ~$1,500–$2,200 installed; depressurizes via exhaust fans; simple, code-friendly in cold zones
• Balanced system (non-recovery): ~$2,400–$4,600 installed; equalized intake/exhaust with filtration
• Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV): ~$2,400–$8,000 installed (3-bed/2-bath); CO2/humidity-driven automation
• Smart ventilation (zoning/sensors/app): ~$2,750–$15,000 installed; advanced controls, IAQ monitoring, integration

Up next, a closer look at whole-house fans: where they shine, when they don’t, and how much they save.

Whole-house fans: cost, benefits, and best use cases

Whole-house fans pull cool outdoor air through open windows and exhaust hot, stale air out through the attic, rapidly dropping indoor temps while improving air quality. They’re often the lowest-cost path to whole-home ventilation, with installed pricing around $900–$2,500 (average ~ $1,700). Many homeowners pair a fan with AC to slash compressor runtime. Modern insulated, “whisper-quiet” designs with remote/app controls make daily use simple.

Key benefits

• Low installed cost: Typically cheaper than ducted ERV/HRV and other balanced systems.
• Big energy savings: Uses a fraction of AC power; great for evening/night cooling.
• Faster comfort: Quickly purges trapped heat and attic hot spots.
• Better IAQ: Brings in fresh air, expels odors and indoor pollutants.
• Quiet operation: Modern fans can run near 40–52 dB with insulated ducts and remote motors.

Best use cases (and when not)

• Best: Regions with cooler evenings, shoulder seasons, homes with hot attics, rapid post-cooking/cleanup ventilation.
• Not ideal: Persistently hot/humid nights, poor outdoor air (wildfire smoke/pollen days), or when opening windows is a security concern.

Cost by home size and airflow (CFM)

Sizing—and cost—scale with airflow (CFM). Bigger homes and more occupied rooms require higher CFM and more pickup points, which means larger fans/cores, longer duct runs, more exterior hoods, and added labor. That pushes a whole house ventilation system cost from the low end of published ranges toward the top. DCV and per-room strategies also scale linearly with the number of spaces served.

• Small homes (1–2 bedrooms): Often land at the low end. Whole-house fan ~$900–$1,500 installed; ERV ~$500–$1,700; HRV ~$1,300–$2,400. A simple supply-only setup can be minimal where code allows.
• Medium homes (3–4 bedrooms): Expect mid-range pricing. HRV/balanced ~$1,300–$4,600; whole-house fan ~$1,200–$2,500; DCV for a typical 3-bed/2-bath runs ~$2,400–$8,000 depending on sensors/controls.
• Large homes (5+ bedrooms/high ceilings): Higher CFM drives upper-range costs. Balanced systems near ~$4,600; hybrid ~$7,000–$10,000; smart systems ~$2,750–$15,000. Larger homes may need multiple grilles or units.
• Per-room math (good proxy for airflow): Supply-only adds ~$150–$300 per room (or ~$1,200–$2,400 for a typical 3-bed). DCV adds ~$300–$1,000 per room. Single-room ventilation runs ~$200–$1,000.

Bottom line: as required CFM and the number of served rooms rise, equipment size, ducting complexity, and controls drive the installed price upward within each system’s published range.

Installation cost factors that move the price up or down

Even within the same system type, installed cost swings with how hard your home is to work in and how much airflow you need. Duct routing, access, and controls drive labor—the biggest line item—where HVAC pros typically charge $50–$150 per hour and can finish simpler installs in a few hours. Retrofits with long duct runs and multiple exterior penetrations land higher than straightforward installs or new construction.

• Ducting complexity: Longer runs, tight chases, extra grilles, and multiple exterior hoods raise labor and materials.
• Home access: Crowded attics, finished basements, and limited roof access add time.
• Retrofit vs. new build: Retrofitting around finishes costs more than rough‑in during construction.
• Airflow/rooms served: Higher CFM and more rooms mean larger equipment and more pickups.
• Electrical scope: New circuits, switches, or code upgrades add labor.
• Controls and sensors: Smart/DCV zoning and IAQ/CO2 sensors increase equipment and setup time.
• Climate-driven choice: HRV/ERV cores and balanced systems cost more than simple supply/exhaust.
• Local labor and permits: Rates vary by region; some municipalities require inspections/permits.
• Noise/comfort add‑ons: Insulated ducts, remote motor housings, and better filtration add cost but improve comfort.

Cost by location and scope (whole-home versus attic, basement, single room)

Where you ventilate—and how much you tackle—drives price more than you might think. Localized fixes (attic, a single room, basic roof venting) are the cheapest. Whole‑home solutions cost more but deliver consistent fresh air and humidity control across the house. Basements span the widest range because moisture mitigation and filtration can add equipment and labor.

• Attic ventilation: $120–$850 (fans/vents)
• Basement: $150–$8,500 (scope varies from a simple vent to full moisture control)
• Single room: $200–$1,000 (bath/kitchen exhaust or room unit)
• Roof vents/fans: $300–$550
• Whole‑home (baseline): $700–$2,700 (easier with new construction; ducted balanced/ERV/HRV can run higher as noted above)

Choose scope based on problem severity, not just lowest initial cost.

Labor, permits, and timeline

Labor is the biggest variable in a whole house ventilation system cost. HVAC pros typically charge $50–$150 per hour, often working in teams of 1–2. Many standard installs finish in a few hours; projects that add long duct runs, multiple grilles, or new exterior penetrations take longer and land higher due to added labor and materials.

• Whole-house fan: Typical installation labor runs about $300–$800 and is usually completed in a single visit.
• Balanced/ERV/HRV: Several hours for the unit, ducts, exterior hoods, wiring, and control setup; more pickups/hoods increase time.
• Supply/exhaust-only: Generally the quickest scope; minimal electrical and one duct path.
• Smart/DCV: Extra time for sensors, commissioning, and app/hub integration.

Permits may be required for electrical/mechanical work and new roof/wall penetrations; your contractor usually pulls them and coordinates any required inspections. Permit timing varies by municipality and can add scheduling time before the install. Most homeowners go from quote to completed installation within a short contractor availability window when permitting is straightforward.

Running costs: electricity use, filters, and expected savings

Day to day, most whole-house ventilation systems are inexpensive to run—especially compared to air conditioning. Fans draw modest power, and smarter controls reduce runtime when fresh air needs are low. Whole-house fans are typically the cheapest to operate, ERV/HRV systems land in the “tens of dollars per year” range in many cases, and add‑on electric preheaters increase consumption.

• Electricity: Independent examples show very low annual use for continuous systems—e.g., a whole‑home unit as low as £10.63/year without heat assist and about £72.38/year with a heater, and a typical MVHR around £54/year (UK energy rates). Small extract fans can be just a few pounds per year. Whole‑house fans use far less energy than AC, especially for evening cooling.
• Filters and upkeep: Plan on routine filter changes (ERV/HRV/balanced) plus maintenance. Typical service costs: cleaning $75–$150; inspection/tune‑up $100–$300. Optional HEPA-grade filtration add‑ons run about $500–$2,500 installed.
• Expected savings: Whole-house fans can cut AC runtime dramatically—our customers often report 50%–90% less compressor use and up to $500/month savings in peak season, depending on climate, rates, and use. Demand‑controlled ventilation trims fan hours by matching airflow to occupancy/CO2, lowering energy and improving comfort.

Ventilation vs air conditioning: costs and when to use each

Ventilation exchanges indoor and outdoor air to manage moisture and IAQ; air conditioning recirculates, cools, and dehumidifies. Installed costs overlap, but AC typically runs $2,000–$9,000, while whole-house ventilation ranges $2,400–$8,000, with whole-house fans far cheaper at $900–$2,500. Operating cost favors ventilation: whole-house fans and ERV/HRV systems consume substantially less energy than AC, especially for evening cooling or continuous low-speed fresh air.

• Use ventilation when: Evenings cool off, during shoulder seasons, to purge heat/odors, or for year‑round fresh air via ERV/HRV (cold climates lean HRV; hot/humid lean ERV).
• Use AC when: Afternoons are extremely hot, nights stay hot/humid, windows must stay closed, or outdoor air quality is poor.
• Best strategy: Combine both—run a whole-house fan on cool nights and shoulder seasons, keep an ERV/HRV for baseline IAQ, and reserve AC for peak heat/humidity. Many homeowners cut AC runtime dramatically with this hybrid approach.

ROI and payback: when the system pays for itself

Payback hinges on climate (cool nights vs humid), how often you can use ventilation instead of AC, your electric rate, and system type. Use this quick math to gauge ROI for your home: Simple payback (years) = Installed cost / Annual savings.

• Whole-house fans (fastest payback): At $900–$2,500 installed, many homeowners see ROI in 1–3 years thanks to reduced AC runtime (and in peak-season markets, payback can be under a year—some users save up to $500/month in the hottest months). Example: $1,700 ÷ $800/year ≈ 2.1 years.
• ERV/HRV/balanced: Primary returns are comfort, moisture control, and IAQ; energy recovery trims heating/cooling load with very low operating cost. Payback varies (often medium‑term) and may be driven by code/health goals as much as dollars.
• DCV/smart: Higher upfront ($2,400–$15,000). Savings come from avoiding over‑ventilation and matching airflow to occupancy; best ROI in larger homes or variable‑use spaces.

To personalize: Annual savings ≈ (AC hours avoided × average $/hr to cool) − (fan/ERV power + filters/maintenance). Estimate “AC hours avoided” by counting nights you could ventilate instead of cooling.

Rebates, tax credits, and code requirements

Incentives can shorten payback, but they vary widely by location. Some regions offer rebates or tax incentives for installing energy‑efficient ventilation—especially whole‑house fans and smart controls—while others don’t. Always verify current utility and municipal programs before you buy, and remember to net incentives out of your project math: Net cost = Installed price − rebates − tax credits. Code and permit needs also differ by city and state, so plan for them early.

• Local rebates/incentives: Some areas provide rebates for whole‑house fans and other ventilation upgrades; availability is location‑specific and subject to change.
• Tax credits: May be offered regionally; confirm eligibility and documentation requirements before purchase.
• Permits/inspections: Mechanical/electrical work and new wall/roof penetrations may require permits and inspections; licensed contractors typically pull these.
• New‑build code: New homes must meet local ventilation requirements that address outside air quantity, distribution, filtration, and moisture control.
• Climate/code alignment: Many jurisdictions and best‑practice guides favor HRVs in colder climates and ERVs in hot, humid regions to manage heat and moisture while meeting fresh‑air intent.

DIY versus pro install: costs, difficulty, and safety

Whether you DIY or hire out comes down to scope and risk. Simple projects with minimal ductwork are approachable for skilled DIYers, while balanced systems with recovery cores, multiple penetrations, and smart controls are best left to licensed pros. Remember: contractors typically charge $50–$150 per hour, and many standard installs wrap in a few hours—so labor savings are real, but so are code and safety obligations.

• Good DIY candidates: Whole-house fans and single-room supply/exhaust where you have attic access and basic electrical skills; expect to save ~$300–$800 in labor on a typical fan install.
• Hire a pro for: ERV/HRV or balanced systems, DCV/smart setups, multi-grille ducting, and any job needing airflow balancing, exterior hoods, or moisture management.
• Safety factors: Electrical work, roof/wall penetrations, fall risk, and building envelope sealing. Poorly executed exhaust can depressurize and pull pollutants from garages/attics; mismanaged moisture can cause condensation and mold.
• Permits/inspections: Many municipalities require mechanical/electrical permits and inspections. Pros pull permits, meet code, and commission the system so it performs as designed.

Noise, comfort, and indoor air quality considerations

Ventilation should feel seamless—moving air, not adding noise. Modern insulated whole‑house fans can run around 40–52 dB thanks to remote motor housings and acoustical ducts, while balanced ERV/HRV systems temper incoming air to avoid drafts and keep rooms even. System choice also determines how well you manage humidity and what contaminants enter—or stay out—of your home.

• Lower noise: Insulated ducts, remote motors, and variable speeds reduce sound at the grille.
• Even comfort: ERV/HRV pre‑condition air (HRV favored in colder zones; ERV for hot/humid) to limit hot/cold spots.
• Moisture control: ERVs help prevent humidity swings; exhaust‑only in warm climates can drive moisture into walls.
• Cleaner air: Balanced/ERV/HRV use filters to capture dust and pollen; exhaust‑only can backdraw pollutants from garages/attics.
• Right‑time airflow: Demand‑controlled/smart systems use CO2/humidity sensors to boost comfort with fewer noisy high‑speed runs.

Maintenance and lifespan: what you’ll spend over time

Plan on light, predictable upkeep. Most whole-house ventilation systems run for years with routine filter changes and a quick cleaning/inspection to keep airflow strong, noise low, and energy use minimal. Pros commonly recommend service at least annually (many suggest spring/fall). Whole-house fans and simple supply/exhaust setups have the least upkeep; ERV/HRV and balanced systems add filter swaps and periodic core cleaning. Typical ventilation fans see around a decade of service life when maintained.

• Annual cleaning: $75–$150 per visit
• Inspection/tune-up: $100–$300 (spring/fall or at least once a year)
• Filters: Replace per manufacturer schedule (ERV/HRV/balanced)
• Optional HEPA/filtration add-on: $500–$2,500 installed
• Pro tip: Keep exterior hoods clear and seals tight to prevent moisture and backdraft issues

How to choose the right system for your home and climate

Pick ventilation based on climate, how your family uses the house, willingness to open windows, and budget. The right choice balances fresh air, moisture control, noise, and your whole house ventilation system cost so you get comfort and value without overbuying.

• Cold/heating‑dominant climates: Favor an HRV or a balanced system to temper incoming air and avoid depressurization issues.
• Hot/humid climates: Choose an ERV to exchange heat and moisture; avoid exhaust‑only strategies that can drive moisture into walls.
• Mixed climates with cool evenings: A whole‑house fan for night purges plus a modest ERV/HRV or balanced system for baseline fresh air is a high‑ROI combo.
• Poor outdoor air (smoke/pollen): Prefer balanced/ERV/HRV with filtration; avoid window‑open strategies when air quality is bad.
• Tight/new homes or code‑driven projects: Go balanced/ERV/HRV; they’re appropriate across climates and meet distribution/filtration goals.
• Retrofit on a budget: Supply‑only or targeted exhaust in key rooms can satisfy basics; understand moisture trade‑offs.
• Variable occupancy/large homes: Demand‑controlled or smart systems right‑size airflow by CO2/humidity to cut energy and noise.
• Noise/security sensitive: Pick insulated, quiet whole‑house fans (40–52 dB) or ducted ventilators with variable speeds.

If you’re torn between options, plan for a hybrid: a quiet whole‑house fan for cooling relief and an ERV/HRV for year‑round IAQ.

Checklist for quotes: questions to ask and how to compare

To compare bids apples-to-apples, ask each contractor to size the system by required airflow (CFM), list exactly what’s included, and break out labor, materials, and permits. Get model numbers and written performance data so you can judge recovery type, noise, filtration, controls, and whether commissioning/balancing is included to ensure it performs as designed.

• Sizing/scope: Target CFM and rooms served.
• Equipment: Model numbers, HRV/ERV type, rated CFM.
• Ductwork: Runs, grilles, exterior hoods, insulation.
• Logistics: Permits, lead time, hours, cleanup.
• Noise: Sone/dB at the grille.
• Controls: Timers, CO2/humidity sensors, app.
• Filtration/maintenance: Filter type, cost, access.
• Commissioning: Balancing, test results, training.
• Price: Line‑item parts/labor; exclusions and change orders.
• Operating costs: Annual kWh and savings assumptions.

Key takeaways

A well-chosen whole‑house ventilation system improves comfort, controls moisture, and can slash cooling costs. Pick the tech that fits your climate and lifestyle, budget for the right scope, and get line‑item bids so you know exactly what you’re buying.

• Budget the range: Typical installs run $2,400–$8,000; whole‑house fans are ~$900–$2,500.
• Match climate: HRV for colder regions; ERV for hot/humid areas; avoid exhaust‑only where moisture is a risk.
• Fastest ROI: Whole‑house fans cut AC runtime dramatically with very low operating cost.
• Low running costs: Plan for filters and an annual check ($75–$300 total typical service).
• Price drivers: Ducting complexity, access, sensors/controls, and permits.
• Smart strategy: Fan for cool nights + ERV/HRV for year‑round fresh air; reserve AC for peak heat.

Ready to cut bills with quiet night cooling? Explore quiet, insulated whole‑house fans and get expert help sizing your system.