Exhaust hood installation typically costs $300-$2,500 for a standard U.S. kitchen project, including the hood, with an average near $1,200. The final price depends on hood style and size, whether ductwork already exists, electrical needs, cabinet changes, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete installation | $300 | $1,200 | $2,500+ | Hood, labor, and ordinary installation materials |
| Hood unit | $100 | $500 | $2,000+ | Basic under-cabinet to premium wall-mount models |
| Installation labor | $150 | $400 | $1,000+ | More if new ducting or electrical work is needed |
| New duct route | $300 | $900 | $2,500+ | Cost varies with distance, wall or roof access, and finish work |
What a kitchen exhaust hood installation usually costs
For a straightforward replacement, homeowners commonly pay $300-$900 total. That assumes a basic $100-$400 hood, an existing compatible duct or electrical connection, and a short installation that does not require cabinet or wall repairs. A midrange hood with standard labor and minor adjustments often brings the total to $700-$1,600.
A new ducted installation can cost $900-$2,500 or more when the contractor must cut an exterior opening, run duct through cabinets or an attic, or add a dedicated electrical connection. Custom inserts, high-capacity units, masonry walls, and roof penetrations can push a project above $3,000. The least expensive quotes generally involve replacing a similar hood where the duct and wiring are already in place.
Per-unit pricing offers a useful check: basic hood units run about $100-$500, while premium or professional-style models commonly cost $700-$2,000+. Standard installation labor is often $150-$600, with new ductwork priced separately. Assumptions: residential kitchen, ordinary access, midrange U.S. labor, and no major cabinet reconstruction.
How hood, duct, electrical, and labor charges fit together
A written estimate should separate the appliance from installation work. A low equipment price does not necessarily mean a low project total: the hood may need compatible duct size, a new outlet, a damper, or additional carpentry. Confirm whether quoted labor includes testing airflow and sealing the duct joints.
| Quote component | Typical range | What it covers | When it rises |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hood unit | $100-$2,000+ | Fan, filters, lights, and controls | Wider, quieter, higher-capacity, or decorative models |
| Labor | $150-$600 | Mounting, connection, leveling, and function test | Cabinet changes or difficult mounting |
| Duct and fittings | $75-$500 | Rigid duct, elbows, cap, and sealing materials | Long route, larger diameter, or multiple turns |
| Electrical work | $100-$600 | Outlet, wiring, or circuit changes | No suitable power source or code-required upgrades |
| Removal and finish work | $50-$500 | Old unit removal and minor patching | Tile, drywall, cabinet, or roof repairs |
Rates vary by trade and market. A handyman or appliance installer may charge $50-$100 per hour for a simple replacement; an electrician or HVAC contractor can charge $75-$150 per hour, often with a minimum service fee. Ask whether the price includes duct parts, disposal, electrical work, and surface repair rather than assuming they are bundled.
Which hood width, CFM, and duct route change the price?
Hood width is a direct equipment and installation cost driver. Common 30-inch models are widely available; 36-inch units often cost more, and custom widths or oversized commercial-style residential models may require cabinet modifications. The hood should generally match or exceed the cooking surface width, subject to manufacturer instructions and local requirements.
Fan capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM. Many ordinary ranges pair with hoods around 200-400 CFM, while powerful gas ranges or extensive cooking can call for higher capacity. Moving above roughly 400 CFM can trigger makeup-air requirements in some jurisdictions, adding equipment and installation expense that may run $500-$2,000 or more. Requirements depend on local code and the home’s existing ventilation.
Duct distance and geometry also matter. A short, straight 6-inch duct run is usually cheaper than a route longer than 10-15 feet with several elbows or a change to an 8-inch duct. Roof exits can cost more than a nearby exterior-wall termination because of roof access, flashing, and weatherproofing. Before selecting a hood, compare its required duct diameter and airflow rating with the existing route.
Other scope changes include a masonry or brick exterior, vaulted ceilings, inaccessible attic space, and cabinets that cannot support the selected model. A site visit can identify these conditions before the installer gives a firm price. A quote based only on a product link or phone description may exclude hidden wiring, blocking, or finish repairs.
How long does mounting a hood and adding ductwork take?
A direct replacement usually takes about 2-4 labor hours for one installer. The job can extend to 4-8 hours if the mounting height changes, a cabinet must be trimmed, or the old duct connection needs correction. A new exterior duct route commonly takes 1-2 days, especially when roof or attic work, electrical changes, and patching involve multiple trades.
Some installers charge a minimum visit fee of $100-$250, even when the physical installation takes less than two hours. Separate electrician or roofer visits may each add a service minimum. Rush scheduling, weekend appointments, or work in a fully occupied kitchen can increase labor rates or require additional protection and cleanup.
Ask for the expected crew size, work duration, and whether the estimate includes a final airflow check. Scheduling electrical, duct, and finish work in a coordinated visit can reduce repeat trip charges. A contractor should also specify who is responsible for permits and any required inspection.
Ducted or ductless models: which installation is cheaper?
A ductless hood recirculates air through filters rather than exhausting it outside. If a kitchen has no duct route, installing a basic ductless unit may cost $250-$800 including the appliance and straightforward labor. Replacement charcoal filters generally cost $15-$60, and some need changing every 3-6 months depending on cooking and manufacturer guidance.
A ducted hood sends air outdoors and typically provides stronger removal of heat, moisture, and cooking odors. A replacement using existing ductwork can total $300-$1,000, while creating a new route often brings the project to $900-$2,500+. Metal ducting, exterior termination, and any makeup-air work explain much of that difference. Ducted systems also need occasional filter cleaning and inspection of the outlet and damper.
Neither option is automatically the better value. A ductless system can avoid costly construction but does not remove indoor air outdoors; a ducted unit can cost more upfront but avoids routine charcoal-filter replacement. Compare the full installation scope and ongoing filter expense, not just the hood’s shelf price.
How local labor rates shift hood installation quotes
Labor and access create meaningful regional variation. Large metropolitan areas and high-cost coastal markets can quote roughly 15%-35% above the national midpoint, particularly when licensed electrical or roofing work is involved. Smaller cities and rural areas may be 5%-20% below a typical metro quote, although longer contractor travel can offset the savings.
Climate and building patterns also affect the job. Cold-weather regions may require careful exterior sealing and attention to makeup air; homes with brick, stone, or thick masonry exteriors can cost more to penetrate than wood-frame siding. In dense urban housing, building approval, restricted work hours, or difficult roof access may add fees even when the duct run is short.
These percentages are planning estimates, not fixed regional price schedules. Compare at least two local itemized quotes with the same hood specification, duct route, and finish expectations. Location changes the labor baseline, but the home’s construction often determines the largest project-specific surcharge.
Three example quotes for common kitchen hood projects
The examples below show how scope affects a plausible quote. Prices assume ordinary access and standard residential work; actual estimates vary by contractor, region, and product. They include the hood unless the line item says otherwise.
| Project | Typical scope | Estimated total | Why it costs that amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic replacement | 30-inch hood at $180; 2 labor hours at $85; small supplies and disposal | $400-$550 | Existing duct and power remain usable |
| Midrange ducted upgrade | 36-inch hood at $550; 4 labor hours; short new wall duct, cap, and minor finish work | $1,100-$1,700 | Includes a new exterior opening and fittings |
| Long-run premium installation | $1,200 hood; 8-12 labor hours; attic or roof ducting and electrical coordination | $2,500-$4,500+ | Long route, higher capacity, access, and possible makeup air |
For the basic replacement, a contractor may bill a two-hour minimum even if the mounting takes less time. The midrange project can rise if the wall is masonry or the duct needs multiple elbows. The premium example can require separate electrical, roofing, or inspection charges, so the quote should name each trade and allowance.
Use the specifications and scope in each example as a comparison checklist, not as a guaranteed local price. Make sure all bids include the same width, CFM, duct diameter, termination location, and cleanup before comparing totals.
Where homeowners can trim the installation price safely
Keeping an existing duct route and electrical connection is usually the biggest cost-control decision. If the current hood vents properly and the replacement model is compatible, choosing the same width and duct diameter can avoid cabinet work and new exterior penetrations. Confirm compatibility with the product manual rather than relying on appearance alone.
Compare several hood models at the same width and approximate airflow level. A basic under-cabinet hood may cost $100-$400, while decorative glass, advanced controls, remote blowers, and premium finishes can add hundreds of dollars without reducing installation labor. Avoid paying for capacity that the cooking setup and local code do not require.
Homeowners can clear the work area, remove items from cabinets, and arrange access to the attic or electrical panel, but should not cut structural members or handle live wiring. Ask whether the contractor offers a lower combined price for hood mounting, duct work, and electrical changes, and request separate prices for optional upgrades. Control the scope first, then compare itemized quotes for the same installation plan.
Repair may be sensible when the existing hood’s fan, switch, or light has a straightforward fault and the unit is otherwise sound. A diagnostic visit can cost $75-$200, with common parts and labor potentially adding $100-$400. Replacement often makes more sense when the motor, controls, and filters are aging together or the unit cannot meet current ventilation needs; compare the repair estimate with the cost of a compatible new hood.