How much does ceiling fan installation cost in the UK?

With increasingly warmer summers and rising energy bills, more households turn to ceiling fans as an energy-efficient solution. However, many UK homes weren’t designed with ceiling fans in mind, making installation seem complex or intimidating.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about ceiling fan installation costs in the UK, from choosing the right fan for your room to understanding labour costs.

What is the average cost of ceiling fan installation?

Ceiling fan installation costs can vary depending on where you live. Labour rates differ from city to city, and some areas may have higher demand for an electrician or handyman. To help you set a proper budget, here’s a breakdown of the average prices of ceiling fan in the UK.

Technician assembling the internal wiring of a ceiling fan unit. (Source: iStock)

Factors affecting the average cost of installing a ceiling fan

How much you'll pay for the service depends on a few things, including room size, fan size, blade type, and the amount of labour needed to complete the task. Before hiring a professional installer near you, consider these things and set the proper budget. 

Fan or blade type

The average cost of a new ceiling fan also depends on its type, materials, and blade. Expect to pay more for blades made of genuine hardwood, as they are very durable. Coloured steel blades can also cost more than those with regular nickel coating. If you want to know how much a new ceiling fan costs based on its type, check out the table below:

A man secures ceiling fan blades with a screwdriver during installation. (Source: iStock)

Standard

Common in residential homes, standard ceiling fans hang straight down and are usually parallel to the ceiling. It comes with five blades and a built-in light fixture. The average price of these fans is around £87+.

Low-profile

This type of fan is common in homes with lower ceilings (eight feet and under). Other terms used for these fans are flush mount or hugger fans. Low-profile fans cost around £128+.

Hanging Propeller

Unlike low-profile fans, hanging propeller fans are for homes with ceilings higher than nine feet. Instead of installing them directly onto the ceiling, mount their blades and motors using a downrod. These fans typically cost £145+.

Rotational

Rotational fans (sometimes called dual-motor fans) come with two heads that rotate on a downward axis. They are ideal for big rooms and spaces with high ceilings. Their average price is £456+.

Directional

This type of fan is similar to a regular standing fan. You can adjust and move its head in whatever direction you want. Directional fans typically cost around £372+. 

Room size

Most of the time, people forget to consider the size of their rooms when looking for a new ceiling fan to install. When your room is bigger, you'll need a larger ceiling fan to improve air circulation and provide enough cooling capacity. It's also nice when your ceiling fan is proportional to the size of your space. 

Most ceiling fans in homes range from 29 to 72 inches across. Since bigger ceiling fans have bigger blade spans and motors, you'll likely shoulder higher labour costs, as installing them in your room will take more time and effort. Your ceiling fan's height can also affect the project's final cost. Some professional installers will charge you an extra fee to mount the fan using a downrod.

Labour

Like when painting a new ceiling, your handyman might increase the service's total cost if additional work is necessary. Since there's a need to drill holes, install a wall switch, and add wires, your electrician could have additional fees for the extra hours they need to render. Expect to pay more if your ceiling needs cleaning before the actual fan installation. 

The cost of installing an outdoor ceiling fan might also be higher, as you’ll need to invest in materials that withstand harsh weather. You also need to install electrical conduits and weatherproof fittings to secure the wires from water, dust, and other harmful things. 

The benefits of professional ceiling fan installation

While installing a ceiling fan sounds like a task you can do on your own, there are many good reasons to seek help from a professional electrician:

Safety

Installing electrical wires without any experience can cause severe health and safety hazards. Doing things incorrectly could increase your chances of getting electrocuted. While hiring an electrician to install a ceiling fan costs more, you can complete your project without injuring anyone. 

Saved time

Figuring things out on your own can sometimes lead to a cycle of trial and error. Since this process can take several days or weeks, you might never get it done within time constraints. A professional electrician can give you peace of mind and complete the task in a timely and orderly manner. 

Cost-effectiveness

Although it costs more to hire a professional electrician, it actually saves you more money in the long run. Improper installation not only damages electrical wires; it can also impair your ceiling fan. The cost of replacing a ceiling fan is undoubtedly higher than hiring someone who has proper knowledge about the task. 

Posting a task for ceiling fan installation

Whether you're looking to clad, plaster, or install a ceiling fan in your home, it's always a smart decision to seek help from a professional handyman near you. Post a task now on Airtasker to get competitive offers! Things you want to include in your listing are:

• The size of your room.
• The type of ceiling fan you're planning to install.
• Your location.

The more details you provide, the higher the chance of getting offers from ceiling fan installation professionals that meet your specifications or needs.