Installing a new range hood includes electrical work, running duct-work, and installing a roof vent cap. A seemingly simple job requires experience in quite a few areas. If any of them are done poorly by an inexperienced person it could lead to a lot of damage down the road.
As a general rule, an HVAC contractor should be hired to install a new vented range hood. They have experience with installing ducting, roof vents and can safely do the electrical connections. A handyman should be called to replace an existing range hood since it does not involve any specialized work.
If necessary HVAC contractors will bring on an electrician to run new wires from the electrical panel and a roofer to install the roof vent cap. The convenience of having them take care of everything comes at a cost. It can cost up to $1200 for more complicated installs.
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to hire an HVAC contractor, there’s another option that will guarantee the same results with lower costs. You have to do some work yourself though!
HVAC Contractor Will Handle Everything
HVAC contractors take the hassle out of dealing with multiple tradespeople and get things done quickly. The work done by them is often of higher quality than compared to a general contractor since they work with things like this every single day.
By using a reputable company, you will get a warranty for the entire job. This means that if any issues were to arise in the future it is very easy to contact them and they are responsible for all parts of your home improvement project which includes electrical connections, ventilation duct, and roof cap.
Since installing a range hood could mean that new wires must be run from the electrical panel, the HVAC contractor might call in an electrician for that part of the job. However, In most cases, you will only need to deal with one person and pay once for everything.
This all-in-one package is perfect for those who are too busy to be bothered with the details and can afford the extra cost.
The Semi DIY Route
If you enjoy home improvement projects, or simply can not afford to hire an HVAC contractor to take care of all aspects of the install there is another solution!
You can save hundreds by doing some of the work yourself and only hiring out what you absolutely cannot do.
Here is everything you need to know and who to hire for each part of the job.
- Buy all the necessary parts
- Install the range hood on to the wall *
- Install The roof vent cap*
- Run and insulate the duct from the range hood to the roof vent cap*
- Hire an electrician to hook up the electrical connection
*you could hire a handyman for this part of the job as it requires no license.
Buy the Parts
I have listed 6-inch ducts, as this is most common for medium-sized range hoods. Be sure to check the range hoods manual to see if it is sufficient. (it is always OK to install a larger duct than the range hood calls for)
| Item | Amazon link |
| 6-inch Roof vent cap* | View |
| 6-inch flex duct(incl. 2 clamps) | View |
| Duct insulation** | View |
| Foil tape(for the insulation) | View |
| Roofing sealant | View |
*This roof vent cap is suitable for shingled roof only
Install the Range Hood on the Wall
Try to install the range hood as low as possible, as this will increase the capture efficiency and will more efficiently remove steam and odors. The range hood should be placed 20″ to 30″ from the stove.
Install the Roof Vent Cap
The roof vent will come with detailed instructions on how to install it. Unless you have most of the tools required it might be cheaper to hire someone for this.
Here is an excellent video on how to do it(they are talking about a bathroom fan but the principle is the same).
I will list the tools required below the video.
| Item | Amazon Link |
| Hammer | View |
| Utility knife | View |
| Flat pry bar | View |
| Hole saw | View |
| Cordless drill* | View |
| Caulk gun | View |
*don’t buy anything smaller since they won’t be able to cut the large duct hole
Run & Insulate The Duct
Next, run the duct from the roof vent cap to the range hood. Make sure to not leave any excess duct up in the attic as this will negatively affect the range hoods performance.
Insulating the duct is very important. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the duct. I wont go into more detail about insulating here since I have an entire article dedicated to it.
Do I Need an Electrician to Install a Range Hood
A range hood is an important and necessary component of any kitchen. However, it can be a little more complicated than simply plugging it into a nearby outlet. There are specific requirements that homeowners need to follow when installing their appliances for safety reasons.
I have written extensively about these regulations so you don’t have to do all the research yourself. If you decide to wire it yourself, be sure yo familiarize yourself with the article I linked to. This will prevent any headaches in the future when you are selling the home.
In most states, a homeowner can perform electrical work in his or her own home. If you want to hire someone a licensed electrician is required to install a range hood. Even though most handymen are able to do the work, local laws and regulations prevent them from carrying out any type of electrical work without a license.
Handymen are very reluctant when taking on electrical work. They can face huge fines when performing or even advertising work for which they are not licensed for.
If you hire someone who is not licensed to perform electrical work to install your range hood your insurance claim could be denied if there ever were to be an electrical fire.
A licensed electrician will know exactly how the range hood should be hooked up. A correctly connected range hood will save you from headaches when it comes time to sell the house. A home inspector will fail the inspection when the range hood is connected to a small appliance branch circuit.
Note: Handymen will be able to replace an existing range hood that is not hardwired and is plugged into the outlet
Do You Need a Permit to Install a Range Hood
An existing range hood can always be replaced with a new unit without a permit. As a general rule, when installing a new range hood where one did not exist most cities require a permit. In real life, most people will not apply for a permit for such a small thing especially when doing it as a DIY job.
If an HVAC-tech were to install the range hood and your local city requires permits, he/she will take care of the paperwork and will apply for the permit.
Even if you don’t apply for a permit, the job must still be carried out to meet the National Electric Code guidelines for range hood electrical connection. This is to make sure it will pass a home inspection when it comes time to sell.
Conclusion
A HVAC contractor is the best trades-person to hire if you would like to have the job done with the least amount of hassle for you. You will have to deal with only one person and they will take care of everything. However, for most people this option is too expensive so they decide to do most or all of the work themselves. Many HVAC contractors don’t want to take on such small jobs so their quoted prices will be quite high.
You can save hundreds by hiring separate people for each step of the job or even doing some of the work yourself. Be aware, it can be quite an hassle coordinating and scheduling the work for different people.