Last night’s curry still clings to the kitchen air, doesn’t it? Studies show indoor cooking can spike airborne particles by 200 %. Poor ventilation isn’t just smelly, it harms lung health and even violates local codes. You’re here because you need to know how much to install range hood, and I’ll break every cost, shortcut, and safety tip down so you spend smart and breathe easier.
Stick with me and I’ll show you where the money goes, how to trim it, and which hood keeps grease off your cabinets for good.
Keynote: How Much to Install Range Hood?
Install a range hood for $400–$1,500; average homeowners spend $750. Replacements using existing ducts run $300–$850, while new ductwork or electrical pushes totals to $650–$2,100. Island or downdraft models hit $2,500+. Compare quotes, check CFM, follow local codes for safe, efficient ventilation. Keep filters clean for longevity. Yearly maintenance.
Why a Range Hood Is Your Kitchen’s Best Friend
A kitchen range hood pulls hot air, grease, and cooking odors out before they coat the walls. That means better air quality, fewer grease-fire risks, and a safe kitchen environment that meets current building codes. Industry experts agree: regular cleaning plus the right exhaust fan prevents dangerous grease buildup and keeps storage space around the stove spotless.
Types of Range Hoods: Styles, Costs & What’s Right for You
| Type of Range Hood | Typical Total Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under-cabinet | $200 – $950 | Stoves against a kitchen wall with cabinets above |
| Wall-mounted | $300 – $850 | Kitchens without overhead cabinets |
| Island range hood | $600 – $1,700 | Cooktops on a kitchen island |
| Downdraft system | $1,000 – $2,500 | Minimalist layouts needing hidden venting |
| Cabinet insert | $400 – $1,000 | Custom cabinetry, seamless look |
Under-cabinet units slide beneath existing cupboards and use the least storage space. Wall-mounted hoods add a stainless steel chimney extension for high ceilings. Island installations hang from rafters and need long ductwork.
Downdraft systems pop up behind a gas range, whisking warm air sideways rather than overhead. Cabinet inserts stay invisible but push hood costs higher. Convertible range hoods switch between vented range hood mode and ductless systems when carbon filters replace ductwork.
Breaking Down the Costs: What to Expect
The national average installation cost lands near $750, with most homeowners paying $400 – $1,500 for a standard project. Labor costs run $50 – $100 per hour, and a straightforward replacement of an old range hood takes two hours. New ductwork or electrical work bumps total cost to $650 – $2,100. An island install or downdraft can top $2,500 when higher CFM rating demands bigger ducts.
Ducted vs. Ductless: Which System Wins?
- Ducted range hood – Vents cooking fumes outdoors for better air quality. Expect $100 – $1,000 for the hood plus $200 – $900 in ductwork installation.
- Ductless range hood – Recirculates through charcoal filters. Units cost $100 – $300, but filter changes add $50 – $150 each year.
- Convertible models – Cost $200 – $1,200 and switch modes if local codes or layout change.
For heavy searing or gas appliances that release more hot air ducted systems with higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating keep kitchen air cooler and safer. Ductless hoods suit renters or older homes where cutting walls isn’t allowed, but remember carbon filter upkeep.
Key Factors That Impact Your Total Cost
1. Ductwork complexity – Straight 6-inch ducts through a nearby kitchen wall stay cheap. Punching through a two-story roof with elbows can add $1,000.
2. Electrical work – A new GFCI outlet near the hood costs $150 – $350.
3. CFM rating – Multiply kitchen size (square feet) by 1.5 to find minimum CFM. A 150 sq ft kitchen needs 225 CFM. Higher CFM means larger, pricier ducts.
4. Hood type – Island or downdraft units demand ceiling supports or under-floor vents, raising labor costs.
5. Age of the house – Old wiring, plaster walls, or an existing range hood mounted off-center increases complexity of the project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: What’s Safer & Smarter?
You can replace a ductless hood yourself with basic tools, shaving $200 – $500 in labor costs. Yet mis-wired connections violate safety standards and local building codes, nullifying warranties.
Hire professional installation for ducted work, island range hoods, electrical upgrades, or whenever new ductwork snakes through joists. Trip fee minimums (often $75 – $150) still beat the price of fixing a failed DIY exhaust fan.
Hidden Costs You Might Overlook
| Cost Factor | Typical Price | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | $100 – $230 | Ensures compliance with local codes |
| Structural patching | $50 – $150 | Repairs drywall after ducts cut through |
| Filter replacements | $50 – $150 / yr | Required for ductless models |
| Chimney extension | $50 – $200 | Needed for tall ceilings |
| Disposal of old hood | $25 – $50 | Some pros charge extra |
Keep 10 % contingency in the budget for surprises like hidden pipes or rotten framing that appear mid-installation.
5 Smart Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
- Reuse existing range hood ducting if it’s grease-free and the right size.
- Choose ductless hoods when outside venting is impossible.
- Bundle installs during a larger kitchen remodel; contractors cut combined labor costs.
- Shop off-season sales for stainless steel models, winter discounts can drop range hood prices 20 %.
- Collect three quotes to compare labor costs and ensure fair hood installation costs.
Keeping Your Range Hood Running Smoothly
Clean metal filters monthly with warm, soapy water to prevent grease buildup. Replace charcoal filters in ductless models every 120 cooking hours. Inspect ducts yearly for blockages of airborne particles. Follow manufacturer guides; regular cleaning maintains higher CFM and prolongs motor life.
Troubleshooting tips: If the new hood won’t start, check breakers first. Weak airflow? Grease-clogged filters choke cubic feet per minute performance—wash or swap them.
Conclusion
You asked how much to install range hood, and now you know the numbers, pitfalls, and savings tricks. A well-chosen hood protects lungs, cabinets, and resale value far beyond its price tag.
Invest in the right hood type, respect local codes, and budget smart; you’ll enjoy fresher kitchen air, fewer cleaning chores, and peace of mind every time hot oil sizzles under the fan.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Range Hood (FAQs)
How much does it cost to install an over-the-range microwave?
Installation averages $300, ranging $140–$500 for standard replacements depending on labor rates and mounting difficulty. New ventilation, ducts, or circuits raise totals to $600–$1,200 in complex kitchens, according to 2025 cost trackers.
How much does it cost to install a ducted kitchen range hood?
Ducted range hood installation costs $650–$2,100 for new setups, with a national average roughly $750. Replacement using existing ducts stays $300–$850, but roof venting or island routes can exceed $2,500 according to 2025 estimates.
Katie Lee has over 20 years of experience in the kitchen. She helps homeowners find the right appliances for their needs to sets up a perfect kitchen system. She also shares helpful tips and tricks for optimizing appliance performance.