Replacing a range hood carries several price drivers, including unit type, venting method, and installation complexity. This article presents real-world ranges for the cost to replace a range hood in the United States, with per-unit and total estimates to help budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range Hood Replacement (unit only) | $150 | $300 | $1,200 | New hood, basic model |
| Labor for Install | $150 | $350 | $700 | Includes basic mounting and duct work if needed |
| Electrical Work | $75 | $150 | $350 | Wiring, switch, or outlet work |
| Ductwork/Vent Rework | $75 | $250 | $700 | Inline duct, elbows, seals |
| Permits and Inspections | $0 | $50 | $300 | Depends on local rules |
| Disposal/Removal | $25 | $60 | $150 | Old hood and packaging disposal |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 24-inch wide hood, standard ducting, no custom cabinet work.
Average Range Hood Replacement Cost by Size and Type
Typical total costs vary by hood size and venting method, with ducted models generally costing more than ductless ones. A common 30-inch ducted hood with basic features runs about $350-$900 including installation, while a 36-inch model with higher CFM and professional ducting can push toward $1,000-$1,800. Ductless or recirculating hoods tend to be cheaper upfront, often $250-$900 installed, but may have higher long-term replacement costs due to filter maintenance.
- Ceiling height, access to cabinetry, and wall clearance can add to labor time.
- Higher-end stainless steel suites with advanced filters or smart features increase unit and install costs.
Main Cost Components in a Range Hood Swap
Breaking down the quote helps buyers compare apples to apples. The primary cost components are the unit price, labor, venting/duct, wiring, permits, and disposal. A typical split for a 30- to 36-inch hood in a standard kitchen is roughly Unit 40%, Labor 30%, Duct/Wiring 20%, Permits/Disposal 10%.
| Component | Typical Cost Range | Per-Unit Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (hood) | $150-$1,200 | per unit | Low to high-end models |
| Labor | $150-$700 | per project | Mounting, vent run, mounting brackets |
| Ductwork | $75-$700 | per run | Elbows, runs, tape/sealant |
| Electrical | $75-$350 | per project | Outlet, wiring, switch |
| Permits | $0-$300 | per project | Regional requirements vary |
| Disposal | $25-$150 | per project | Old hood removal |
Key drivers include vent type and duct length, plus cabinet access constraints. For a typical home kitchen, ducted vent runs under 10 feet tend to stay in the lower half of the price range, while longer runs (15-20 feet) or through walls require more duct, flattening curves and increasing labor time. Additional variables such as high-CFM requirements (above 600 CFM), professional electrical upgrades, and installation into custom cabinetry can push prices up by 15-40% in many markets.
Regional cost pressure matters more than you might expect. Western markets with higher labor rates can add $100-$300 to a typical hood replacement, while rural areas might save 5-15% on labor. Material costs also vary by region due to supplier access and availability of stainless finishes. A standard 30-inch ducted hood installed in the Midwest might total $650-$1,000, whereas the same setup on the West Coast could range $900-$1,500.
Expect 3-6 hours for a straightforward install on a ducted system. More complex jobs involving wall modifications or ceiling clearance may reach 8-12 hours or require two installers. If an electrical upgrade is needed, factor an additional 1-4 hours. Typical hourly rates range from $60-$120 per hour for experienced electricians and installers, depending on region and demand.
Ducted models usually cost more, but offer better long-term performance and resale value. Ducted hood installations require a vent run to outside air and may need ceiling or wall modifications, increasing both material and labor costs by roughly 20-50% versus ductless recirculating units. Ductless installations are simpler and cheaper upfront but rely on internal filters and recirculation grids that can incur higher replacement filter costs over time.
Control scope and plan ahead to avoid surprise charges. Choose standard widths (30″ or 36″), avoid premium finishes if not needed, reuse existing ducting if it meets code, and consolidate multiple kitchen jobs into one visit where possible. Scheduling in a lull season can reduce labor fees, and requesting a single-item quote for hood, duct work, and electrical helps prevent scope creep.
Three practical quote scenarios illustrate typical totals and ranges.
| Scenario | Hood Type | Labor Hours | Materials & Duct | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 30″ ducted, common ceiling access | 30″ Stainless Ducted | 4-6 | $250-$600 | $550-$1,100 |
| 36″ high-CFM ducted with wall access | 36″ Stainless, 900 CFM | 6-8 | $450-$900 | $1,000-$1,900 |
| 30″ or 36″ ductless recirculating | 30″ Ductless Recirc | 3-5 | $150-$450 | $350-$900 |
Local permitting rules can alter the bottom line. Some cities require permits for venting changes; others do not. In practice, permit costs typically add $0-$300 to the job. If the existing duct path is clearly in place and matches the hood, a straightforward install will stay near the lower end of the ranges; if walls need cutting or electrical panels require updates, expect higher costs.
