Keen to start cooking up a storm in your new kitchen? You can't begin to do any serious cooking without a decent rangehood, not unless you want to deal with stains, odours and problems like mould and mildew.

As electrical systems, rangehoods need to be installed by a professional. Get quotes from rangehood installers in your area on hipages and read this overview to find out more about:

• Why do you need to hire a rangehood installer?
• What are the different types of rangehoods?
• What are typical services involved for rangehood installation?
• How much does rangehood installation cost?
• What factors affect rangehood installation costs?
• How long does it take to install a rangehood?
• How often does a rangehood need to be serviced?
• How often should I clean my rangehood filter?
• What licences or qualifications does a rangehood installer have?
• Questions to ask when hiring a rangehood installer

Why do you need to hire a rangehood installer?

Installing a rangehood can be complex, especially if you require ductwork to vent fumes outside. Rangehood exhaust fans also involve electrical connections, so they need to be set up by a licensed professional.

Your rangehood warranty may be dependent on the unit being installed by a licensed professional, and may be void if the rangehood is not installed to the correct standards.

Some cooktop installers or general appliance installers may also be able to install a rangehood as part of a new kitchen or renovation.

What are the different types of rangehoods?

Rangehoods are installed above cooktops to remove steam and odours generated by your cooking and vent them away from the area. There are a few different types of rangehoods to choose from, which can be suited to different types of kitchens. These include:

• Fixed rangehood: These are not adjustable in any way, and are generally considered the more efficient in terms of extraction power.

• Retractable rangehood: A compact option that is typically activated by pulling out the hood, which activates the light and fan.

• Canopy rangehood: A freestanding style of rangehood, as used in many commercial kitchens.

Rangehoods can recycle air back into the room, or they can also be ducted to vent externally. Ducting is the most desirable option, as it helps to keep your kitchen free from odours and excess heat.

What are typical services involved for rangehood installation?

Rangehood installers do more than just mount the unit. They are also qualified to wire up the exhaust fan and lighting, install any ducting needed, and install other connections, such as power points.

They can also advise you about which type of rangehood will best suit your kitchen. This can depend on the layout of your kitchen and home, and whether you're replacing an existing unit.

How much does rangehood installation cost?

The cost to install a rangehood can vary, depending on the type of system. The total cost of a rangehood with installation can be anywhere from $300 to $2,000 or more.

Installers generally charge around:

• $150 to install a fixed rangehood
• $160–$250 to install a slide-out unit
• $300+ to install a canopy rangehood

Installing ducting and electrical connections may be charged separately, and can cost $1,000 or more.

As well as the cost of professional installation, you will need to budget for the cost of the rangehood itself. On average, you can expect to pay around $100–$200 for a basic rangehood without ducting, or $300–$500 for a ducted system.

What factors affect rangehood installation costs?

How much your rangehood will cost to install will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The type of rangehood and extractor
• Whether new electrical connections and ducting are required
• Whether you're installing a new rangehood or replacing an existing one
• Whether a permit or inspection is needed
• Where you live

How long does it take to install a rangehood?

It can take between 2 and 4 hours to install a rangehood. This depends on the type of rangehood and how complex the installation is. The job may take longer if your installer needs to make holes for ductwork, or to add new power points or other electrical connections.

How often does a rangehood need to be serviced? 

Rangehood filters need to be cleaned regularly to keep them working efficiently and to help extend the lifespan of the unit. They will eventually need to be replaced. A rangehood itself will usually last an average of 15 years.

How often should I clean my rangehood filter?

How often rangehood filters should be cleaned depends on how often the rangehood is used and what type of cooking you do. Your manual will recommend the ideal cleaning frequency for your particular unit.

More frequent cleaning is recommended if you're cooking foods that are greasy or have strong odours. It's also recommended to clean the filter at least once a month if a rangehood is not in regular use.

What licences or qualifications does a rangehood installer have?

Rangehood installers must hold an electrician's licence to install the rangehood, extractor fan and other components, such as lighting, switches and power points. Performing electrical work without a licence is illegal in Australia, and could void your manufacturer's warranty.

Questions to ask when hiring a rangehood installer

Before you begin the process of applying for quotes, there are some questions you might want to ask your rangehood installer, to make sure they're right for the job. Some questions to consider are:

• Are you licensed, registered and insured?
• Can I see previous examples of your work?
• How long will the job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• What is included in the quote?

It's recommended that you get at least 3 quotes so you can get a good idea of prices and compare local services in your area.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.