Replace Vent Hood Q&A

Typical 2026 industry rates for replacing a kitchen vent hood run from $483 to $1,010 per hood. That figure covers removal of the old unit, installation of a new one, and basic connections to existing ductwork or electrical lines. A straightforward swap of a similar-size hood usually lands near the lower end, while larger chimney-style models with more powerful blowers push toward the upper end. Labor is the biggest variable. A standard installation takes roughly two to four hours for a handyman or HVAC technician, and rates of $75 to $125 per hour are common in many metro areas. If the new hood requires a different duct diameter or a new wall cutout, add another one to three hours. The hood itself is a separate line item. Basic under-cabinet models sell for $80 to $250 at hardware stores, while wall-mount chimney hoods with 600 CFM blowers can reach $600 or more. Ductwork modifications, roof or wall caps, and replacement of old flex duct with rigid metal pipe add cost on top of the base range.

Average contractor pricing for a range hood replacement sits between $483 and $1,010 per hood in 2026. The spread reflects differences in hood type, duct configuration, and whether the existing electrical circuit needs modification. A simple under-cabinet swap that reuses the same opening and duct often finishes in the $483 to $650 bracket. Wall-mount and island hoods cost more to install because they need mounting brackets fastened into studs or blocking, plus finished chimney covers. Those jobs frequently land between $750 and $1,010. Island installations are the most labor-intensive since the duct must travel through the ceiling and often across an attic or joist bay. Electrical work affects the total as well. Most hoods draw under 5 amps and can share an existing circuit, but a new dedicated 120-volt line costs roughly $150 to $350 if an electrician is needed. Replacing 6-inch flex duct with smooth rigid pipe, which improves airflow and reduces grease buildup, adds material and labor.

In most US jurisdictions, swapping a vent hood in the same location with the same electrical and duct connections does not require a permit. The International Residential Code treats it as a minor appliance replacement. However, if the project involves running a new electrical circuit, cutting a new duct penetration through an exterior wall or roof, or moving the hood to a different wall, a permit and inspection are typically required. A competent DIY homeowner can handle a like-for-like swap in three to four hours with basic tools. The work involves shutting off power at the breaker, disconnecting the old unit, and lifting the new hood into place, which often takes two people because under-cabinet models weigh 20 to 40 pounds. Hiring a professional makes sense when ductwork must be rerouted, when the new hood vents through a roof, or when the existing wiring is aluminum or undersized. Typical 2026 industry rates for a full replacement fall between $483 and $1,010, and that figure usually includes hauling away the old hood.

A like-for-like replacement generally takes two to four hours from start to finish. That window covers removing the old hood, cleaning the mounting surface, aligning the new unit, fastening it to cabinets or wall blocking, and reconnecting the duct and power. Two people are usually needed for the lift, since even a compact 30-inch hood weighs 20 to 40 pounds. Jobs that involve duct changes stretch to five or eight hours. Switching from a recirculating setup to true outside venting means cutting a 6-inch or 8-inch hole through a wall or cabinet, installing a wall cap, and sealing the penetration. Roof venting adds more time because the installer must work safely on the roof and flash the cap against water intrusion. Electrical modifications add one to three hours if a new circuit is pulled. Scheduling also matters: many contractors book hood replacements one to two weeks out, and a special-order hood can take five to ten business days to arrive. Typical 2026 industry rates of $483 to $1,010 per hood assume standard access and existing duct.

Reusing existing ductwork is possible when the new hood matches the old one in duct size and discharge direction. Most residential hoods use 6-inch round duct or a 3.25-by-10-inch rectangular duct, and staying with the same size avoids cutting new openings. Matching the discharge orientation, whether vertical through the cabinet or horizontal through the wall, is equally important. A mismatch creates problems. Installing a 600 CFM hood on undersized 4-inch duct chokes airflow and can push the blower outside its performance curve, which raises noise and shortens motor life. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that proper duct sizing and short, straight runs with few elbows keep exhaust efficient. If the old duct is greasy flex line, replacing it with smooth rigid metal is worth the extra cost. Duct-only upgrades typically add $100 to $300 in materials and labor to a hood replacement. Typical 2026 industry rates for the full job, including the hood, run $483 to $1,010 per unit. A short run of 6-inch rigid pipe costs approximately $15 to $40 at hardware stores, plus foil tape and elbows.

The hood should be at least as wide as the cooking surface. A 30-inch range pairs with a 30-inch hood, and a 36-inch range pairs with a 36-inch hood. Undersizing the hood lets smoke and grease escape around the edges, while a slightly wider hood, up to 6 inches broader than the range, captures more effluent without looking oversized. Blower capacity matters as much as width. A common rule is 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU of burner output, so a 40,000 BTU range calls for roughly 400 CFM. Gas ranges with high-output burners may need 600 CFM or more. Duct diameter should match the blower: 6-inch duct for up to about 600 CFM, 8-inch for larger units. Cabinet clearance also constrains the choice. Electric cooktops need 24 inches of clearance between the cooking surface and the hood, and gas cooktops need 30 inches, per the International Residential Code. Measuring the old hood's width, depth, and mounting height before shopping prevents a return trip. Typical 2026 industry rates for replacement installation remain $483 to $1,010 per hood.

Replacement usually wins when the blower motor is failing, the housing is rusted, or the unit is more than 15 years old. Motors and switches can be repaired, but parts for discontinued models are often unavailable, and a new motor plus labor can approach half the cost of a complete swap. Typical 2026 industry rates for replacement fall between $483 and $1,010 per hood, including installation. Repair makes sense for isolated problems. A noisy blower may just need cleaning, and a hood that will not turn on may have a tripped breaker or a loose wire nut. Grease filters, light bulbs, and damper flaps are inexpensive fixes. A replacement rocker switch costs approximately $8 to $15, and a new aluminum mesh filter runs approximately $10 to $25 at hardware stores. Efficiency is another factor. Older hoods often move under 200 CFM and vent through greasy flex duct, which restricts airflow. A modern unit with 400 to 600 CFM and smooth rigid duct removes smoke, moisture, and cooking odors far more effectively. If the existing hood is noisy, underpowered, or visibly worn, replacement delivers a better return than repeated repairs.

A typical replacement quote covers labor to remove and dispose of the old hood, installation of the new unit, and reconnection of existing duct and electrical service. At 2026 industry rates of $483 to $1,010 per hood, most straightforward jobs fall inside that band. The hood itself is sometimes included and sometimes billed separately, so the estimate should state which applies. Standard labor includes fastening the hood to cabinets or wall blocking, sealing duct joints with foil tape or mastic, and testing the blower and lights. Cleanup and haul-away of the old unit are usually part of the price. A two-person crew spends two to four hours on a like-for-like swap. Extras drive the total upward. New ductwork, a roof or wall cap, a dedicated electrical circuit, cabinet modification, or a chimney cover for a wall-mount hood each add cost. A wall cap runs approximately $20 to $50, and 6-inch rigid duct approximately $15 to $40 per section. Asking for a line-item estimate before work begins prevents surprises and clarifies what the rate range actually covers.

Labor typically accounts for $250 to $600 of a vent hood replacement, based on 2026 industry rates that put total project pricing at $483 to $1,010 per hood. Handyman and HVAC technician rates commonly fall between $75 and $125 per hour, and a standard swap takes two to four hours with two workers on the lift. Metro areas with higher living costs sit at the upper end. Simple jobs cost less. If the new hood matches the old one in size, duct diameter, and mounting style, a single technician plus a helper can finish in about two hours. That puts labor near $250 to $350. Island hoods, roof-vented installations, and jobs requiring cabinet trimming push labor toward $600 because of the extra access work and finish carpentry. Electrical labor is quoted separately by many contractors. Running a new dedicated 120-volt circuit adds roughly $150 to $350, while reusing an existing circuit costs nothing extra. Duct modification, including a new wall penetration and cap, adds $100 to $300 in labor. The hood itself, from $80 for a basic under-cabinet model to $600 or more for a chimney style, is billed on top of labor.

Switching styles is common, but the swap is rarely a simple one-for-one exchange. Moving from an under-cabinet hood to a wall-mount chimney hood requires new mounting blocking, a finished vertical chase, and often a different duct path. Converting a recirculating hood to outside venting means cutting a new hole through a wall or roof and adding a cap. Each change adds labor beyond a standard replacement. Duct and electrical capacity set the limits. A new 600 CFM hood needs at least 6-inch duct, and some models call for 8-inch. If the old hood used 4-inch duct or flex line, the run should be upgraded to smooth rigid metal. Electrical draw is modest, usually under 5 amps, so an existing circuit often suffices unless the new hood includes a heat lamp or high-output blower. Budgeting matters when styles change. Typical 2026 industry rates for a direct replacement run $483 to $1,010 per hood, and a style change with new ductwork or cabinetry work can exceed the top of that band. Measuring the opening, checking duct size, and confirming clearance before ordering avoid costly surprises.