Ceiling fan installation in the Hills
Replacements, new installs, and outdoor alfresco fans — done with a fan-rated mount, not a light fitting bracket.
Replacement or new install?
This is the question that decides the price, and most people don't know which one they've got.
A replacement — an existing fan coming down and a new one going up in the same position — is the simple case. The wiring, the switching and the mounting are already there, and it's usually an hour.
A new install is different. If there's currently a light there, the ceiling rose is almost certainly not fan-rated. A fan applies dynamic load — it wobbles, it vibrates, it does so for years — and it needs a mounting block fixed to a joist, not a plasterboard fixing. If there's nothing there at all, you also need a cable run and a switch position, which means ceiling access.
If you want a fan with a light, or separate wall switches for fan and light, that's a second switch wire, and it is far cheaper to decide that before we start than after.
What ceiling fan installation costs
Sydney market ranges for 2026. Supply of the fan itself is separate unless you ask us to supply.
| The job | Price |
|---|---|
| Replace an existing ceiling fan, same positionOld fan down, new fan up, existing wiring and switching | $150 – $300 |
| New fan where a light fitting already existsIncludes a fan-rated mounting block. Add a second switch wire if you want separate fan and light control | $250 – $450 |
| New fan in a new positionNew cable run, switch position and mount. Priced on ceiling access | $350 – $600 |
| Outdoor or alfresco rated fanIP-rated fan on an RCD-protected circuit. Very common on Hills entertaining areas | from $400 |
| Multiple fans installed in one visitCheaper per fan once we're set up and in the roof | ask — meaningfully less each |
These are indicative market ranges for Sydney in 2026, not a quote. What you pay depends on your switchboard, access and what we find. We confirm a fixed price before starting, and it doesn't move.
DC or AC motor?
Worth knowing before you buy, because it affects what we install and how it's switched.
DC motors use roughly 60–70% less power, run noticeably quieter, offer more speed steps and are almost always remote controlled. That remote is the catch: if you want wall-switch control as well, check the model supports it before buying.
AC motors are cheaper, work with a conventional wall controller, and are perfectly good in a bedroom or a rarely-used room. In a living area you run eight months a year, the DC unit usually pays back the difference.
For outdoor and alfresco areas, the rating matters more than the motor. A fan in a covered outdoor area is exposed to moisture and salt air, and an indoor-rated fan will corrode at the blade fixings within a few years.
Ceiling fan questions
How much does it cost to install a ceiling fan?
In Sydney, replacing an existing fan is typically $150–$300. Installing a new fan where a light already exists is around $250–$450, because it needs a fan-rated mounting block. A brand new position with a cable run is $350–$600.
Can you install a fan I bought myself?
Yes, and most people do. We just need it to be a compliant unit sold for the Australian market. Bring it home, we'll fit it.
Can a ceiling fan go where my light is now?
Usually, but the existing ceiling rose almost certainly isn't rated for a fan's dynamic load. We fit a proper mounting block fixed to a joist. Hanging a fan off a standard light fixing is one of the more common unsafe things we find.
Do I need a separate switch for the fan and the light?
Only if you want independent control. Many fans are remote controlled, which avoids the question entirely. If you want wall switches for both, say so before we start — adding the second switch wire afterwards means opening the ceiling again.
Can you install a fan outside on my alfresco?
Yes, and it's a common Hills job. It needs an outdoor-rated fan on an RCD-protected circuit. Don't use an indoor fan in a covered outdoor area — the fixings corrode.
How long does it take?
A straight replacement is about an hour. A new install with a cable run is usually half a day, depending on roof access.
Will a ceiling fan work with my ducted air conditioning?
They work well together. Running fans lets you set the thermostat a couple of degrees higher for the same comfort, which is where the running-cost saving comes from.
What customers say
Fantastic service! Friendly, efficient and well priced. Highly recommend. Thank you for swiftly fixing our switches.
Excellent value and service, including follow-up.
Jason was great! One call and less than an hour later, he was here to save the day. Five stars for the prompt and reliable service.
These are Google reviews for our team at Cync Electrical & Automation — the licensed contractor behind Hills Electrician. 5.0 from 20 reviews. — see the profile
Want a fan put in?
Tell us whether it's a replacement or a new position, and we'll price it. Or call 0422 253 379.
Get a quote