In professional kitchens, managing grease-laden air, excess heat, and odors is crucial. Installing a high-quality kitchen exhaust fan is essential for maintaining air quality and protecting surfaces. Costs for installation typically range from $650-$1200 per opening, depending on fan type and ductwork complexity.
• Identify the shortest, straightest route from hood to exterior.
• Confirm no structural members or utilities block the path.
• Plan for smooth duct runs to maintain airflow and meet code.
• Multiply cooktop width in inches by 10 for a basic rule of thumb.
• A 30-inch range typically needs a 300 CFM fan; high-output ranges may need 600 CFM or more.
• Fan or hood unit
• Rigid or semi-rigid metal duct
• Exterior wall or roof cap with back-draft damper
• Foil HVAC tape and duct strap
• Circuit, switch, or dedicated plug as required
• Drill/driver and assorted bits
• Hole saw or reciprocating saw
• Screwdrivers, level, stud finder, and tape measure
• Sheet-metal snips and crimping pliers
• PPE: safety glasses, N95 mask, hearing protection
1. Center the fan template on the wall or cabinet bottom.
2. Drill a pilot hole through to the exterior.
3. Move outdoors, locate the pilot, and cut the final wall opening with a hole saw.
1. Secure blocking between studs if needed for weight support.
2. Fasten the fan body or hood to framing members, ensuring it is perfectly level.
3. Seal any gaps with high-temperature silicone to prevent air leaks.
1. Attach rigid metal duct to the fan collar, crimped end toward the airflow.
2. Route the duct through the wall cavity following your pre-planned path.
3. Maintain no more than two 90-degree bends; each bend reduces efficiency by roughly 25 CFM.
4. Support duct every 4 feet with strap; seal joints with foil tape, never duct tape.
1. Slide the cap’s collar into the duct from outside.
2. Apply exterior-grade sealant around the flange.
3. Screw the cap into siding or brick, then caulk fasteners for a weather-tight fit.
1. If the fan is hard-wired, shut off breaker, pull new cable, and tie into a dedicated 15-amp circuit.
2. For plug-in units, install a GFCI outlet inside the cabinet per electrical code.
3. Test operation, verifying full airflow at the exterior cap.
• Hold a paper towel at the hood; it should cling firmly, confirming suction.
• Demonstrate quiet operation; balanced fans run under 3 sones for comfortable conversations.
• Undersized fans: Ensure CFMs meet code requirements.
• Excessive duct length: Plan routes under 25 feet to maintain efficiency.
• Cost overruns: Lock in material pricing early to avoid surprises.
Consider professional installation for complex projects, such as roof penetrations or custom hoods over 48 inches.
A standard wall-vented installation typically takes 4 labor hours and $350-$900 in materials, depending on fan quality and duct run.
• Wash or replace mesh filters every 30 days.
• Wipe the fan housing monthly with degreaser.
• Inspect the exterior cap seasonally for bird nests and debris.
Installing a kitchen exhaust fan requires careful planning and execution. With the right tools and knowledge, you can ensure a successful installation that improves air quality and client satisfaction.
When the Ramirez family in Walnut Creek decided to remodel their 1980s kitchen, the main complaint was stubborn grease film on newly painted cabinets. Their general contractor used a voice interface to quickly estimate costs and labor.
1. 320 CFM stainless hood, $295
2. 8 feet of 6-inch rigid duct, $48
3. Exterior wall cap, $32
4. Labor, 4.2 hours at regional rate, $336
5. Consumables and waste allowance, $24
Total estimate: $735, including tax and contingency.
• Digital plans confirmed no joists conflicted with the vent path.
• The crew received a mobile task list; every item was time-stamped for accountability.
• Mid-project, the homeowner upgraded to a 400 CFM ultra-quiet model. The field lead spoke the change into the app, and price differences populated instantly.
• Installation wrapped in 3.5 hours, 17% faster than the regional average.
• Post-remodel indoor air tests showed a 65% reduction in particulate matter.
• Locked pricing on order day protected the client from material inflation.
• Always run a dedicated circuit when fan amperage plus existing load exceeds 80% of breaker capacity.
• Use a short test run before final screw-off—if airflow is weak, you can still tweak duct alignment.
• Photograph every hidden connection for future maintenance.
Ready to replicate this success? Visit CountBricks.com to book a complimentary venting assessment. Our AI-driven platform and vetted craftspeople ensure your kitchen breathes easier—and your bottom line does, too.
