How Much Does Range Hood Installation Cost?
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A range hood can help cut down on grease, odors, loud fans, and excess heat in the kitchen. On average, range hood installation costs $750, but the cost can range from $400 to $1,500.
Highlights
- The typical cost to install a range hood is $400 to $1,500, with a national average cost of $750.
- There are several factors that affect the total cost of range hood installation, including the range hood type and finish, the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, the noise (sone) rating, and the cost of labor and permits.
- A range hood has numerous benefits, including adherence to local codes, improved home safety, better air quality, fewer odors, and improved cleanliness in the kitchen.
- DIY range hood installation may be possible for a homeowner who has experience working with electricity and ductwork; however, homeowners without this specific experience will want to leave this project to a professional.
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A smoky kitchen, a noisy exhaust fan, or an outdated range hood: Any of these situations is a great reason for a homeowner to decide it’s time to get a new range hood installed. Even if a full kitchen remodel is beyond the current budget, the cost to install a new range hood might be more reasonable. On average, homeowners spend $750 or between $400 and $1,500 on residential range hood installation cost, according to Angi and HomeAdvisor.
Over-the-range hoods come in a few different styles to suit design preferences, which means they also come at different costs. The final price a homeowner pays for range hood installation will depend on the range hood type and finish, labor and permit costs, existing range hood removal, additional renovations, and other factors. But the benefits can outweigh the cost, since the best range hoods offer a healthier environment, less noise, additional lighting, and more.
Factors in Calculating Range Hood Installation Cost
From simple to extravagant, range hood vents come in a variety of options and prices. The type of finish a homeowner prefers is another factor that will determine a range hood installation cost. In addition, range hoods have a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating that makes some models more suitable for larger kitchens. The sone rating, or sound level, of the exhaust fan can also influence the final cost.
Range Hood Type
The biggest factor in calculating the cost of a kitchen range hood is the type a homeowner chooses. Not only can the material of the hood affect the price, but the cost of labor to install the hood can as well. Some models require additional materials, electrical updates, or ductwork. This is usually the case when a homeowner is doing a full kitchen remodel.
A contractor can help a homeowner identify the right type of hood range for a stove to ensure adequate ventilation for the size of the kitchen. This helps ensure a safer environment for the home’s occupants, since the exhaust fan will remove grease, odors, smoke, and excess heat from the kitchen. Homeowners can choose from wall-mounted range hoods, built-in range hoods, ductless range hoods, and more.
Range Hood Finish
The finish of a range hood has a huge impact on range hood installation costs, since the materials come at their own price points. For instance, a copper range hood costs between $250 and $1,250, on average. Stainless steel range hoods cost a little more at $300 to $1,500, on average, but both styles could run as high as $8,000 for a large, lavish model.
Copper, stainless steel, and glass range hoods usually have the highest price points, while traditional black, white, and bisque range hoods come in at lower average costs ranging from $100 to $1,000.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) Rating
Every range hood has a CFM rating, but what does that mean, exactly? According to Joelle Battista, head of culinary marketing at Designer Appliances, “CFM stands for ‘cubic feet per minute’ and is a measure of the volume of air a range hood can move in one minute. The CFM rating indicates the hood’s ventilation capacity.”
This is important, since a large kitchen will need a higher CFM rating to keep the air quality clean and clear. “Higher CFM ratings mean the hood can move more air, which is beneficial for larger or more powerful cooking appliances,” explains Battista. These models often cost more than models with a lower CFM rating. The average CFM rating for a kitchen range hood is 300 to 700 CFM. Homeowners can do a quick calculation to estimate the minimum CFM rating needed for a new range hood.
- Length x width x height = cubic feet
- (Ex: 12 x 12 x 9 = 1,296 cubic feet)
- Cubic feet x 15 air exchanges per hour = cubic feet per hour
- (Ex: 1,296 x 15 = 19,440 CFH)
- Cubic feet per hour / 60 minutes = cubic feet per minute
- (Ex: 19,440 / 60 = 324 CFM)
“The ideal CFM rating depends on the size of the kitchen and the heat output of the cooktop or range,” Battista says. “As a general guideline, aim for around 100 CFM per linear foot of cooking surface.”
Sone Rating
An important but sometimes overlooked factor in choosing the right range hood is the sone rating. This is a fancy term for the sound level that the exhaust fan will produce. An extremely loud exhaust fan can be bothersome when residents are trying to communicate with family and friends in the kitchen, so choosing a range hood with a lower sone rating is recommended.
The sone rating is measured on a scale of 1 to 20, with 1 being the quietest (about as loud as a refrigerator). The quieter the sone scale, the lower the cost, and most types of range hoods average 6 to 10 sones.
Labor and Permits
The labor cost to install a range hood typically runs between $50 and $100 per hour. In most cases, installing a range hood takes about 1 to 4 hours, though ductless range hood installation is usually quicker at 1 to 2 hours. If additional wiring or ductwork is required, the time and corresponding labor costs will increase. To ensure they understand the costs involved, homeowners can ask if the quote includes removal of an existing hood, the addition of ductwork, or any additional trip fees.
Sometimes a permit is required depending on the local municipal regulations. A contractor will likely know when to obtain permits, but homeowners can also call their local municipality and ask. The type of permit needed is sometimes called a “mechanical permit,” and the cost averages $100 to $230. Homeowners are also encouraged to ask if a fire inspection is required, since a range hood performs an important safety function and needs to be installed properly to reduce the risk of kitchen fires. Extra fees will apply if a fire inspection is necessary.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the main cost factors for range hood installation, homeowners may have additional costs due to certain situations that may or may not apply to them. For instance, an existing hood range may need to be removed before the new one can be installed. This adds extra labor costs to the total price, just as adding ductwork or updating electrical wiring does. Cabinet or backsplash repairs could be needed depending on how much access the contractor has to install the vent hood. And of course, a full kitchen remodel will make the cost of the range hood installation seem like a drop in the bucket.
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Existing Range Hood Removal
Removing an old range hood is a fairly quick process, so a handyman or contractor can do it for about $25 to $50, including disposal. If the hood is being replaced by a contractor, they’ll often add it to the total project price. Ideally, the removal process should limit any damage to surrounding walls, cabinets, or backsplashes, but sometimes damage is inevitable due to the design.
Range hood installers also sometimes find underlying issues with wiring or ductwork after removing the old hood that will need to be resolved before the new unit can be installed. Any of these variables can increase the total cost.
Ductwork Installation
Any ductwork during installation of a range hood will increase the price due to the extra time and materials required. In a perfect world, the new range hood will match the existing ductwork and electrical wiring and make for a fast and easy installation. When these conditions don’t match up perfectly, installers will take longer to make the necessary changes to ensure the hood is safely connected and installed.
When a homeowner has a ductless range hood and needs a full range hood duct installation, the total costs dramatically increase. Most ductwork jobs take as long as 4 hours to route the ductwork from the kitchen to the exterior of the house. If the ductwork has to take a lot of turns to get to the exit point, the costs will increase too. The labor cost for updating the ductwork averages $350. The cost to install a new range hood over an island will also cost more due to the need for additional ductwork, and rates could go as high as $900.
Electrical Work
Replacing a range hood usually means there is sufficient electrical wiring already installed. However, upgrading the existing type of range hood or remodeling an older home with outdated wiring will warrant the need for some electrical work. Some contractors who specialize in kitchen remodels are experienced at doing basic electrical work to get a new hood installed, but more complex jobs may require a professional electrician.
Usually, electricians can update the wiring at an average hourly rate of $50 to $100, but the amount of time they spend working depends on the complexity of the job. If a full kitchen remodel is being done, homeowners can probably reduce the total cost by combining multiple electrical jobs at once.
Repairs
Most range hood installations affect only the area directly touching the vent hood, but sometimes additional kitchen components need adjustments. A wall or cabinet may need to have a hole cut out to create space for wiring or ductwork. And sometimes the backsplash is damaged or removed during the removal or installation process.
With wall-mounted or over-the-hood range hoods, some minor ceiling or wall repairs will be necessary to leave a smooth finish. The costs associated with any of these kinds of repairs will vary by project, so homeowners are advised to discuss any concerns with the installer ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Kitchen Remodel
Homeowners who are in the planning stages or are in the middle of a kitchen remodel have numerous costs to consider and decisions to make, one of which is choosing a trending range hood that suits their budget and style. While the average cost to install a range hood is about $750 for materials and labor, a full kitchen remodel costs around $26,240. If fewer updates are needed, homeowners may spend as little as $14,551 to remodel a kitchen. Updating a range hood is on the lower end of kitchen remodeling costs, which makes it an appealing choice to include for a quick visual upgrade. The best kitchen remodeling companies can advise a homeowner on the best way to get the most out of their kitchen remodel project.
Types of Range Hood
There are a number of types of range hoods homeowners can choose from, with varying sizes and colors. The type will correlate to the material, and together they will influence the total cost before labor. Homeowners may prefer a simple ductless range hood or a fancier downdraft range hood. There are also features such as Wi-Fi and smart lighting to consider when the budget allows.
| Type of Range Hood | Average Cost Range (Materials and Labor) |
| Cabinet-insert | $1,000 to $1,500 |
| Convertible | $300 to $1,200 |
| Downdraft | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Ductless | $200 to $400 |
| Island | $500 to $1,400 |
| Under-cabinet | $700 to $1,000 |
| Wall-mounted | $700 to $1,000 |
Cabinet-Insert
As the name suggests, a cabinet-insert range hood is installed inside a cabinet so it’s less visible. This is the ideal choice for homeowners who prefer a seamless cabinet design in their kitchens. The cost of a cabinet-insert range hood is $1,000 to $1,500 for labor and materials. The price point is higher for this type of cabinet, but that’s often the case when homeowners are choosing new appliances for aesthetic reasons.
Convertible
Range hoods are either ductless or ducted. A convertible range hood can switch to either exhaust mode. This type of range hood requires ductwork to be installed, but convertible range hoods can be switched to simply recirculate the warm air within the kitchen through the carbon filter. Homeowners usually spend between $300 and $1,200 on this type of hood.
Downdraft
Most people imagine a range hood that sits above the stovetop, but a downdraft range hood is designed to sit behind the stove. They pop up from their hidden compartment in the countertop, which makes them ideal for minimalist spaces or islands. The fan pulls smoke, steam, and odors down the vent rather than up and out like a traditional hood vent does. A downdraft hood range typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 to install.
Ductless
The cheapest option for a new hood range is a ductless range hood, at $200 to $400 for parts and labor. This type is installed above the stove without ductwork, which makes installation costs much lower. Rather than drawing the smoke, air, odors, and grease out of the room and into the ductwork, a ductless range hood simply draws everything into the unit’s carbon filter before pushing the air back into the room.
As Battista explains, “Ductless range hoods use filters to capture cooking byproducts and then recirculate the cleaned air back into the kitchen. They are easier to install but less efficient at removing pollutants. If the filters are not changed regularly, these hoods can be ineffective.”
A ductless range hood is not the most ideal choice for preventing fires caused by grease buildup in the vent, so homeowners will want to stay vigilant about cleaning the hood. However, it’s a common choice for apartments or areas where it’s too costly to install ductwork.
Island
Installing a range hood over the kitchen island typically costs more due to the extra ductwork required. Island range hoods usually vent through the roof, and it takes time to route the ductwork properly. Oversize range hoods will require the help of two installers to lift and stabilize the unit during installation. Homeowners can spend anywhere from $500 to $1,400 to install an island range hood.
Under-Cabinet
Some kitchens have a shorter cabinet installed above the stove. It leaves space for a range hood to be installed without sacrificing too much storage. These are versatile types of hoods, so homeowners can choose a ductless, ducted, or convertible style. Under-cabinet range hoods are common, so contractors can install them in 1½ to 2½ hours. With labor and parts included, under-cabinet hoods cost between $700 and $1,000.
Wall-Mounted
Another common option is the wall-mounted range hood. This type usually requires ductwork where it’s mounted on the wall above the stove. If the kitchen ceilings are high, a chimney extension might be needed to hide the unsightly ductwork with a more attractive design that matches the hood. Almost every finish is available for wall-mounted range hoods, so homeowners have lots of options within the $700 to $1,000 average price range.
Benefits of Choosing to Install a New Range Hood
Many local building codes require some kind of ventilation system in the kitchen, and the common solution is a range hood. “We always recommend having a range hood, no matter what type of cooktop you’re using,” says Battista. But aside from adhering to regulations and expert recommendations, homeowners who install a new range hood enjoy several health benefits and a more comfortable atmosphere in their kitchen and home.
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