How Much Does It Cost To Install A Vent Hood?

Labor cost to install a vent hood

On the low end, labor costs about $200 for this type of job – and it can tally up to more than $1,000 on jobs that require moving a duct, installing brand-new ductwork, or working with high-end materials. If you only need to replace a damaged hood, it may be a DIY job.

Hood system installation cost: The basics

Most contractors charge between $50 and $100 per hour to install a hood system, and most jobs take between one and four hours to complete. However, repairing or moving ducts will add time to your job, and so will other factors – including how complex the job is, whether the contractor needs to perform any electrical work, and how much your contractor charges for a trip fee.

What is a trip fee?

Some contractors charge a trip fee. Trip fees can be fixed or they can be based on the mileage your contractor has to travel to get to and from your home. Generally, the trip fee is added to the labor charge. Not all contractors charge this fee, so if it’s something you’re wondering about, ask the contractors you’re thinking about hiring. A good contractor will explain all the company’s fees and charges; your contractor should be happy to answer your questions.

Range hood installation cost

A new range hood usually costs between $100 and $1,000 if you need to install new ductwork. Vented hoods use ducts to whisk away exhaust, and the ducts typically go up through your attic or out through a wall. If you have existing infrastructure to support your new range hood, your cost will likely be on the low end of the spectrum. However, if you don’t have ducts – or if you have ducts that aren’t in the right places – you can expect to spend more. Powerful range hoods often necessitate the introduction of makeup air, which replaces air pulled from the house. If your home doesn’t have a system in place to address makeup air, you may need to pay your contractor to build it for you.

Kitchen exhaust fan installation cost

Installing a kitchen exhaust fan typically takes an experienced contractor between two and four hours. The average range contractors charge for this type of service, which can vary in your hometown, is between $65 and $100 per hour. A kitchen exhaust fan is different from a vent hood (and vent hood installation cost is another matter), but it can still help pull away cooking byproducts like moisture, grease, fumes, smoke and heat.

You may need to hire someone to move an existing exhaust vent. If that’s the case, you’ll have to account for how much it costs to move an exhaust vent.

Island range hood installation cost

Installation costs for an island range hood range between $300 and $500. These types of range hoods generally vent through the attic, and an experienced and knowledgeable contractor can install one within three to four hours (although more complicated jobs take longer). A large island range hood will most likely cost more to install than a smaller model – primarily because it takes two people to handle the unit and the hardware. If you don’t have existing ductwork for the exhaust from the island range hood, you can expect to pay more for your contractor to install it. You’ll also need an electrical source for your hood, and if it’s not already built into your space, your contractor will have to do some billable wiring work.

How much does it cost to vent through a wall?

If you don’t have existing ductwork that vents directly outside through your kitchen wall, you may need to hire a contractor to create it. It costs about $500 to install ducts that vent your exhaust through the wall, but that price will vary based on how long the ducts need to be based on their paths. The alternative to venting your range hood through the wall is to vent it through the roof.

How much does it cost to vent through the roof?

The cost of venting through the roof is usually between $200 and $300. Usually, it’s more straightforward (technically, more straight-up) than venting through a wall is; that’s why it costs less. You’ll also have to factor in how much it costs to install a roof vent, because the exhaust needs a way to escape your home – if it becomes trapped, it can pose significant hazards.

Range hood prices by type

There are several types of range hoods. Check out this table to explore your options and find out how much each type is likely to cost. Remember, the cost will vary based on the vent hood you choose and what your contractor charges. If you need more information, scroll through the sections below the table.

Under-cabinet range hoods

Under-cabinet range hoods are among the most common styles in American homes. These vent hoods are perfect for spaces that have cabinets over the oven; they help maximize the space in your kitchen and provide a simple way to vent your kitchen.

Wall-mount range hoods

Wall-mount range hoods are also exceptionally common. These vent hoods are mounted to the kitchen wall above the stove. If you have cabinets above your stove, a wall-mount range hood probably isn’t the right choice for you; you’ll need an under-cabinet range hood instead.

Island hoods

Island vent hoods hang from the ceiling over a kitchen island. If your oven is on the island, these hoods are your only option. Island vent hoods are generally more expensive than wall-mounted and under-cabinet range hoods are because they need to be stronger. These types of hoods pull air from all directions – and models designed for use against a wall don’t need to be as powerful because they’re only pulling from half the radius an island hood pulls from. Generally, island hoods need a higher air-moving capacity. (Exhaust fans are rated by how much air they can move in cubic feet per minute, or CFM.)

Cabinet insert hoods

Cabinet insert range hoods are usually hidden by custom-made cabinets so they blend in with your space. Ideal for people who want a seamless look, these types of hoods usually cost more than other types do. That’s because of the level of customization necessary.

Down-draft hoods

Down-draft hoods are usually sleek and modern, and they’re often featured as design elements in luxury kitchens. These types of vent hoods pull air and fumes down into a vent rather than pulling them up, which makes them less effective than their counterparts are. However, they take up less space and can help designers create a minimalist look.

Range hood cost by exhaust type

There are three main types of range hood exhaust systems:

• Ductless
• Vented or ducted
• Convertible

Each has its own pros and cons, and one may be a better choice for you. Here’s a closer look at each.

Ductless range hoods

Ductless vent hoods usually cost between $100 and $300. Installation costs are separate. These vent hoods absorb steam and fumes (including gas, in some cases), and they filter out some of the particles that float up from your cooking surface. They don’t cool the air they suck in; they simply recycle it back out into your home. A lot of ductless vent hoods use carbon or charcoal filters, which you’ll eventually need to replace. These are the cheapest option because they don’t remove hot air or put fumes outside your home.

Vented and ducted range hoods

Vented, ducted range hoods generally cost between $100 and $1,000. These hoods are connected to tubes (ducts) in your walls or ceiling. The fumes that these types of vent hoods pull in are then guided outside of your home. Vented or ducted range hoods are far more effective than ductless range hoods are, because they suck up fumes, smells and grease, and then send it all packing. You can find out how much it costs to install ductwork if you don’t already have it in your home.

Convertible range hoods

Convertible range hoods cost between $200 and $1,000. Some people consider them the best of both worlds because you can convert them from ducted to ductless mode by flipping a switch.

Range hood prices by finish

Common finishes are typically cheaper than unique colors or styles are. That means a simple, off-white vent hood will likely cost less than one made from stainless steel or glass. This table outlines the average costs of each popular color or finish.

Enhancements and improvement cost for range hoods

The extra bells and whistles you choose on your vent hood will determine its final price. Some of the more popular add-ons include lighting and vent covers.

Lighting

Built-in lighting may increase the price of the range hood you choose, although most include it as a standard feature. You’re more likely to see a price increase for other factors, such as finish or vent covers.

Kitchen exhaust vent covers

A kitchen exhaust vent cover, which goes outside your home and covers the outlet vent, is the best way to regulate the vent’s air flow. It also protects your home from the elements, pests and debris that could come in from outdoors. These covers usually cost between $10 and $50, with the average price being about $25.

Range installation costs

If you need a new range because you’re remodeling your kitchen, you can expect to spend about $550. That’s the average price, although individual prices start at a few hundred dollars and can cost several thousand.

DIY vs. hiring a pro: Which is right for your range hood project?

If you’re fairly handy and know your way around a toolbox, you’ll probably be able to install a ductless range hood. However, if you need to cut through masonry or wood, or if some of the ducts in your home need to be moved, you’ll probably find that hiring a contractor is the right choice.

Pros and cons of hiring a vent hood installation contractor

Hiring a contractor means that you:

• Don’t have to handle the heavy lifting yourself.
• Can avoid working with electricity or construction materials.
• Won’t have to plan time in your schedule to complete the job.

For some people, hiring a professional has a few downsides, as well, such as:

• Hiring a contractor costs money, which can delay a project while you wait for savings to build up.
• Some jobs are okay to do yourself, provided you have the time and enough knowledge to do so – so sometimes it’s not worth hiring a contractor.