How to Install a Range Hood for Kitchen Ventilation
A ducted range hood removes cooking pollutants, boosting indoor air quality. Learn CFM sizing, DIY boundaries, cost ranges, and find trusted pros for a safe install.
Ducted range hoods are the gold standard for kitchen ventilation
For the vast majority of homes, a ducted hood with sufficient CFM and a straight rigid duct run is the safest, most effective way to remove cooking pollutants. Ductless models merely filter out some grease and should be a last resort.
What Matters Most
- Always choose ducted over ductless when an exterior vent path is possible
- Match CFM to your cooktop’s total BTU usage—undersized hoods fail when you need them most
- Rigid metal ducting is non‑negotiable for airflow and fire safety
- Professional installation protects your warranty, meets code, and ensures airtight exterior seals
- Monthly filter cleaning keeps the hood running efficiently and reduces fire hazards
Strengths
- Eliminates smoke, steam, and combustion gases entirely
- Protects kitchen surfaces and cabinetry from grease accumulation
- Meets building code requirements for gas appliances
- Increases resale appeal with a properly vented kitchen
- Quieter operation possible with remote blowers
Weaknesses
- Higher upfront installation cost, especially when adding new ductwork
- May trigger makeup air requirements above 400 CFM
- Not feasible in apartments or kitchens surrounded by other units
- Duct work must be sealed and insulated to avoid condensation
- DIY mistakes can cause water leaks or electrical hazards
Ducted vs. Ductless: Decision Summary
| Scenario | Usually do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gas cooktop | Ducted, CFM ≥ total BTU÷100 | Removes carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide—safety critical |
| Electric cooktop, light use | Ducted if possible; low‑CFM ductless acceptable | Moisture and fine particles still better vented outside |
| No exterior wall access | Ductless, charcoal filter | Exterior penetration impossible; filter changes every 3–6 months |
| High‑heat cooking (wok, searing) | Ducted, high CFM (1,200+) | Intense smoke and grease demand powerful capture and exhaust |
Why Kitchen Ventilation Matters
Cooking releases smoke, grease, and combustion byproducts that degrade indoor air quality. A properly installed range hood captures and removes these pollutants before they spread. For gas ranges, venting is a safety essential—it exhausts carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even electric cooktops generate fine particles and moisture that a hood should expel. This guide helps you decide between ducted and ductless models, size the correct CFM, estimate costs, and know when to call a pro.
Quick Answer
Most kitchens benefit from a ducted range hood with at least 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU of gas cooktop output, mounted 24–30 inches above the cooktop, and vented to the outside. Ductless hoods are a secondary option only where an exterior vent is impossible. Professional installation typically costs $400–$1,500+, while DIY with existing wiring and duct path may run $150–$500. Safety boundaries: leave high‑voltage wiring, new circuit runs, and exterior wall penetrations to licensed pros if you’re unsure.
Understanding Range Hood Types
| Feature | Ducted | Ductless |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Exhausts air outside | Recirculates filtered air |
| Effectiveness | Removes moisture, smoke, and gases | Only captures some grease particles |
| Best for | Gas ranges, high‑heat cooking | Electric ranges, light cooking |
| Installation complexity | Requires ductwork to exterior | No exterior vent needed |
| Ongoing maintenance | Filters and occasional duct cleaning | Frequent filter replacement |
| Approximate DIY cost | $150–$500 | $100–$300 |
| Approximate pro install | $400–$1,500+ | $300–$800 |
Our stance: Ducted hoods are the gold standard. Ductless only when exterior venting is impossible. Use our cost estimator to personalize your budget.
How to Choose the Right CFM
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) measures how much air the hood moves. Undersized CFM leaves smoke behind; oversized may require makeup air. Apply these decision rules:
- Electric cooktops: Multiply cooktop width (inches) by 40 for a minimum CFM (e.g., 30″ × 40 = 1,200 CFM). A 200–400 CFM hood often suffices for light cooking.
- Gas burners: Add all burner BTUs, then divide by 100 for recommended CFM (e.g., 40,000 total BTU ÷ 100 = 400 CFM). Never go below 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU.
- High‑heat techniques (wok cooking, searing): Increase the above numbers by 50% or more.
- Duct length: For every 10 feet of straight duct, add 5%; each 90° elbow adds 15% to the required CFM. Flexible duct increases resistance—avoid it.
If your calculated CFM exceeds 400, check local codes for makeup air requirements. Use our BTU calculator if you need help tallying burner output.
What It Costs: Editorial Estimates
| Work scope | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Basic replacement (same size, existing duct/wiring) | $300–$600 |
| New installation with exterior ducting (pro) | $800–$1,500+ |
| Electrical upgrade (new circuit, permit) | $200–$700 |
| Filters and homeowner maintenance supplies | $10–$80/year |
Costs vary by region, access, permits, and whether the duct route requires structural changes. Get contractor quotes with our comparison tool.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
What Homeowners Can Safely Handle
- Choosing and purchasing the correct hood model
- Cleaning or replacing filters
- Testing fan speeds and lights after installation
- Inspecting the exterior vent for blockages
Safety Boundaries—Leave to Pros
- Running new electrical circuits or connecting high‑voltage wires
- Cutting exterior wall or roof penetrations that require weatherproof sealing
- Installing ductwork that passes through fire‑rated assemblies
- Any work involving gas lines (if relocating a gas range)
- Diagnosing motor, capacitor, or control‑board failures inside the hood
When in doubt, hire a licensed contractor. Our contractor search lists pros experienced in kitchen ventilation.
Contractor Checklist
Before hiring, ask these questions:
- Are you licensed and insured for residential ventilation work in my state?
- Do you use rigid metal duct (preferred) or flexible?
- Will you pull a permit if required by local code?
- How do you seal exterior penetrations to prevent water intrusion?
- Do you test final airflow with an anemometer and verify CFM?
- What warranty do you provide on installation labor?
- Can you handle makeup air solutions if my new hood exceeds 400 CFM?
Use our contractor comparison tool to evaluate multiple bids.
Local Considerations
- Cold climates: Insulate the duct to prevent condensation; install a backdraft damper to stop cold air entry.
- Humid regions: Seal exterior vent cap thoroughly to keep moisture out of the wall cavity.
- Older homes: Verify that the electrical panel can support a new circuit. Knob‑and‑tube wiring requires a pro.
- Coastal areas: Choose stainless‑steel exterior components to resist corrosion.
For more localized insights, use our cost estimator which factors in regional labor and material rates.
Tools and Calculators
HVACDatabase offers several tools to help your decision:
- HVAC Cost Estimator – personalize installation costs
- BTU Calculator – add up your gas cooktop burner BTUs
- Repair or Replace Calculator – decide if it’s time to replace an old hood
Methodology
Our recommendations follow HVI (Home Ventilating Institute) and ASHRAE standards for kitchen ventilation. Cost ranges are editorial estimates drawn from industry surveys, national averages, and our network of contractors. Actual prices vary by location, project complexity, and material choices. Always obtain at least three written quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a range hood?
Professional installation runs $400–$1,500+ on average. A simple replacement with existing ductwork may fall at the low end; a new ducted system can reach $2,000+ if electrical upgrades or structural changes are needed. Use our cost estimator for a tailored figure.
Can I install a range hood myself?
If you have an existing ducted hood and are replacing it with a similar model, a confident DIYer can handle the swap. New installations that require cutting walls, running electrical wire, or exterior penetrations are best left to licensed professionals to ensure code compliance and safety.
What’s the difference between ducted and ductless range hoods?
Ducted hoods vent cooking byproducts outside your home. Ductless (recirculating) hoods pass air through a charcoal filter and return it to the kitchen. Ducted is far more effective at removing moisture, smoke, and gas combustion pollutants.
What CFM rating do I need?
For gas ranges, aim for 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU of total burner output. For electric, multiply cooktop width (inches) by 40. Increase by 50% for heavy frying or wok cooking. See our decision rules above for details.
How often should I clean the filters?
Clean metal grease filters monthly (most are dishwasher safe). Replace charcoal filters in ductless hoods every 3–6 months, depending on use. Regular cleaning maintains airflow and reduces fire risk.
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