Residential and light-commercial make-up air system cost ranges from $500 for a basic makeup ventilation kit to $8,000+ for a fully ducted, heated, rooftop unit; major drivers are capacity, heating, and installation complexity. This article shows typical total prices, per-unit rates, and the key choices that change the final make up air system price.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Simple makeup air kit (no heat)	$500	$900	$1,500	Assumptions: single kitchen range, through-wall or inline fan, basic controls.
Ducted electric-heated unit	$1,200	$2,800	$5,000	Assumptions: 400-1,000 CFM, electric heater, 1-2 vents.
Gas-fired rooftop make-up air	$2,000	$4,500	$8,000+	Assumptions: 1,000-3,000 CFM, commercial kitchen, curb-mounted.
Installation labor only	$300	$1,200	$3,000	Assumptions: 2-12 hours, $75-$125 per hour depending on region.

Typical Total Price For A Residential Make-Up Air System

Most homeowners pay $900-$3,000 for a functional make up air system sized to a single kitchen range hood, including equipment and installation. Expect $4-$9 per sq ft equivalent when balancing airflow and ducting needs for a typical home kitchen.

Assumptions: 400-1,200 CFM range hood replacement, standard access, Midwest labor.

Breakdown Of Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits And Disposal

Materials	Labor	Equipment	Permits	Delivery/Disposal
$200-$1,800 (fans, dampers, ducting, heater)	$300-$2,500 (installation, ductwork)	$100-$4,000 (inline fans to rooftop units)	$0-$250 (local mechanical permit)	$0-$200 (old equipment disposal)

Materials and the type of heating (electric vs gas vs none) are the largest single line items in most quotes.

How Capacity, Heating Type, And Duct Length Affect Price

Airflow capacity (CFM) and heating method change costs significantly: under 700 CFM is budget-friendly; 700–2,000 CFM raises equipment and installation needs. Thresholds: 400-700 CFM ($500-$1,500), 700-1,500 CFM ($1,200-$4,000), above 1,500 CFM (commercial $3,000-$8,000+).

Long duct runs (>25-40 ft), multiple bends, or rooftop curb work add $200-$1,500 depending on complexity.

How To Cut Make-Up Air System Price Without Sacrificing Function

Choose scope-control measures: install an inline fan instead of rooftop equipment, skip heated make-up if local code permits, or reuse existing ductwork where safe. Simple swaps—electric heater vs gas heater, or no heater—often save $700-$2,500 upfront.

Get three bids, schedule off-season installation, and bundle with hood replacement to reduce mobilization fees.

Regional Price Differences: What Buyers In Cities, Suburbs, And Rural Areas Pay

Urban labor and permit costs are typically 10%-35% higher than rural areas; coastal metros often add 15%-30% to equipment and labor. Example deltas: Northeast/West Coast +20% average, Midwest/South baseline, Rural -10% on labor.

Assumptions: same 800 CFM unit, standard access, typical local codes.

Typical Installation Time, Crew Size, And Labor Rates

Most residential installs take 2-8 hours with a 1-2 person crew; complex rooftop or duct-heavy jobs require 1-2 days and 2-4 technicians. Labor rates: $75-$125 per hour typical; expect $600-$2,000 labor line on average installs.

Common Add-Ons, Permits, And Hidden Charges That Raise The Quote

Frequent extras include thermostat/controls ($80-$350), backdraft dampers ($40-$150), curb adapters ($150-$600), and gas hookups ($200-$800). Plan for permit, inspection, and possible gas line upgrades costing $150-$1,200.

Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals

Scenario	Specs	Labor Hours	Total Price
Basic inline fan	500 CFM inline fan, through-wall, no heat	2 hrs	$650-$1,100
Ducted electric-heated	1,000 CFM, inline fan, 5 kW electric heater, moderate ducts	6 hrs	$1,800-$3,600
Rooftop gas make-up air	2,000 CFM rooftop unit, gas-fired, curb mount	16 hrs (2 techs, crane/rental)	$4,500-$9,500

These examples reflect typical U.S. pricing with regional labor and permit variation.