Kitchen range hood installation typically costs $400-$1,500, with an average near $850 for a standard replacement. The final price depends on the hood type, whether ductwork already exists, electrical work, cabinet changes, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed hood, existing duct | $400 | $850 | $1,500 | Standard replacement, including a basic hood |
| New ducted installation | $700 | $1,600 | $3,500 | Includes new duct route and exterior vent |
| Ductless hood installation | $250 | $600 | $1,200 | Usually no exterior ductwork required |
| Hood unit only | $100 | $500 | $2,000+ | Price varies by style, width, and features |
What a typical range hood installation includes
A straightforward replacement generally totals $400-$1,500, including a $100-$700 hood and installation labor. A basic under-cabinet model costs less than a wall-mounted chimney hood or a high-capacity insert. A new ducted setup can push the total to $700-$3,500 when the installer must cut through cabinets, walls, or a roof.
For a standard 30-inch hood replacing an existing unit with usable ductwork, budgeting about $600-$1,100 is reasonable. Estimates assume ordinary access and no major cabinet, wiring, or structural repairs. Assumptions: Typical U.S. labor rates, standard materials, and normal access.
How hood, duct, and labor charges shape the quote
The quote may list the appliance separately from installation. Confirm whether it includes mounting hardware, duct fittings, exterior termination, electrical connection, and disposal of the old hood. Ducting costs rise with length, bends, and the need for a roof cap or wall vent.
| Cost component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Range hood | $100-$2,000+ | Style, width, finish, and fan capacity |
| Installation labor | $200-$700 | Mounting complexity and electrical work |
| Duct and fittings | $150-$700 | Route length, diameter, and number of turns |
| Exterior vent or roof cap | $50-$250 | Wall versus roof termination and weatherproofing |
| Removal and disposal | $30-$150 | Local disposal fees and old-unit condition |
| Electrical changes | $100-$500 | New outlet, circuit, or wiring access |
Labor is commonly billed as a project charge, but an hourly estimate of $50-$100 helps explain the quote. A basic swap may take 2-4 hours; installing a new duct route can take 5-10 hours or longer.
Why duct length, hood width, and fan capacity matter
Three specifications can change the estimate substantially. First, a 30-inch hood is common, while a 36-inch model may need a wider cabinet opening or extra mounting work. Second, a duct run beyond 10-15 feet, or one with several elbows, may require more material and labor and can reduce airflow if poorly designed.
Third, fan capacity affects appliance price and sometimes duct requirements. Many standard kitchens use roughly 300-600 cubic feet per minute (CFM); a 600-900 CFM unit may cost more and could require a larger duct or additional electrical capacity. Cabinet alterations or difficult roof access can add $150-$600.
Ask the installer to specify duct diameter, route length, and hood CFM rather than quoting only a general installation fee. Local code and manufacturer instructions determine acceptable duct materials and venting methods.
Ways to lower the bill without compromising ventilation
Keeping a compatible hood location and existing duct can avoid wall or roof cutting. Before ordering, verify the opening width, cabinet depth, duct diameter, and electrical connection against the new model’s specifications. A mismatch can mean extra carpentry or a second service visit.
Compare at least two itemized quotes with the same hood model and scope. Ask whether removal, vent caps, duct fittings, and cleanup are included. Choosing a standard under-cabinet model instead of a decorative chimney style can reduce the appliance and mounting expense, while reusing sound ductwork can trim the project total.
Replacing only the hood is usually cheaper than changing its location or converting from ductless to ducted. Do not reuse crushed, greasy, or incorrectly sized duct simply to reduce the estimate; poor airflow can undermine the upgrade.
How installation time changes the labor estimate
A replacement using the existing mount and duct often takes one technician 2-4 hours. A new ducted installation typically requires 5-10 hours, potentially split between an installer and an electrician or roofer. Hourly rates commonly fall around $50-$100 for general installation labor, while licensed electrical or roofing work may cost more.
Labor can account for roughly $200-$700 on a routine job, but complex routing may exceed that range. Get the expected crew size and labor hours in writing, especially if the bid includes a separate charge for cutting, patching, or exterior venting.
Ductless, replacement, and new ducted jobs compared
A ductless hood recirculates air through filters and is often the least expensive option when exterior venting is impractical. Its installed cost is commonly $250-$1,200, including a basic unit. A replacement connected to existing ductwork generally runs $400-$1,500, depending on appliance price and fit.
A new ducted system usually costs $700-$3,500 because it needs a route to an exterior wall or roof. It removes cooking exhaust outdoors, but the route, finishes, and access determine whether the price lands near the low or high end.
Compare the full installed price and ventilation setup, not just the hood’s shelf price. A low-cost ductless model may not be an equivalent substitute for a home that already has functional exterior venting.
When removal, cabinet work, or roof access adds fees
Old-unit removal may add $30-$150, and minor cabinet trimming or reinforcement can add $100-$400. Creating a new wall opening commonly adds $150-$500, while a roof route or difficult second-story access can add $300-$900 for labor, flashing, and weatherproofing.
Electrical work is another common extra. Adding or relocating an outlet may cost $100-$300; a new circuit or substantial wiring changes can reach $300-$800. These are possible add-ons, not automatic charges, so ask the contractor to identify which conditions are included in the base quote.
Request separate prices for removal, duct routing, cabinet changes, and electrical work before approving the job.
Permit and code checks for a new exhaust route
A direct hood replacement may not require a permit, but rules vary by city and the scope of work. Adding a new electrical circuit, cutting a roof, or changing exterior ventilation can trigger permits or inspections. Permit charges often range from $50-$300, with larger projects sometimes costing more.
Confirm who will check local requirements and whether permit fees are included. The hood’s installation instructions may specify duct size, termination location, and clearances; local building and mechanical codes can add requirements. Clarifying permit responsibility before work starts helps prevent an unexpected fee or a failed inspection.