Installing a new range hood can dramatically improve the air quality in your kitchen by venting smoke, grease, odors, and moisture outside your home. While range hood installation may seem intimidating, it can typically be completed in a few hours with proper planning and the right tools. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of installing a range hood safely and effectively.
Choose the Right Range Hood for Your Kitchen
The first step is selecting the right range hood model for your cooking needs and kitchen layout. Here are the key factors to consider:
Ventilation Requirements
- Determine the cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating you need. A higher CFM rating means the range hood moves more air. For a basic 30″ to 36” range, look for 250 to 400 CFM. For a larger commercial-style or dual-fuel range, you may need 600 CFM or higher.
- Consider blower type: Ducted range hoods are more powerful but require ventilation ductwork. Ductless units recirculate air through filters but are less effective for removing smoke and odors.
Size
- Measure your existing range or cooktop width to find the appropriately sized hood. Standard options are 30” or 36” wide.
- For optimal smoke and odor capture, choose a hood that is at least as wide as your range.
Mounting Style
- Wall-mounted range hoods are the most popular. They mount directly to the wall behind your range.
- Under-cabinet range hoods mount below your upper cabinets and have a sleek, integrated look.
- Island range hoods have an exposed design and often include decorative features like pendant lights. They require special ducting considerations.
Features
- Look for range hoods with dishwasher-safe, multilevel washable filters for easy cleaning.
- Select lights that provide ample illumination for cooking tasks. LED lighting is typical.
- Consider upgrades like touch controls, remote controls, WiFi connectivity, and voice activation.
Noise Level
- Check the decibel (dB) rating. Look for <65 dB for quiet operation.
Budget
- Prices range from $100 to $1000+ depending on size, power, features, and styles. Plan accordingly.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Carefully plan the ductwork path before installing the range hood:
- Range hoods require either an external venting kit or internal recirculation kit depending on the model.
- For external venting, determine the shortest and straightest path outdoors. Limit ductwork length, turns, and transitions when possible.
- Ducting should be metal and have a uniform diameter (often 6” or 8”). Flexible ducts can simplify installation.
- Consult your range hood manual for specific ducting requirements. Improper ducting severely decreases ventilation performance.
- Terminate the ductwork with an exterior wall cap or roof cap. Ensure the damper flap can open and close freely.
Prepare the Installation Space
- Remove existing hood or make arrangements to disconnect old ductwork. Prepare a clean mounting area.
- Install any needed rear wall receptacles for electrical ahead of time.
- Measure and mark all necessary cutouts for ductwork, wiring, and plumbing in cabinets or walls. Cut carefully to avoid costly damage.
- Enable proper structural support. Wall-mounted units may require additional blocking material inside the wall.
- Have all tools and materials ready before beginning, including ducting, electrical supplies, and hardware.
Install the Mounting Bracket
Wall-mounted range hoods include a metal mounting bracket that first gets secured directly to the wall.
- Hold the template or bracket up to the wall and mark locations for mounting screws. Try to use wall studs if possible.
- Drill pilot holes in the screw markings. This allows screws to bite into the wall material without cracking it.
- Hold the bracket in position and drive mounting screws into the pre-drilled holes using a drill or screwdriver.
- For extra strength, use toggle bolts to mount the bracket into drywall without studs.
- Make sure the bracket is flat against the wall. Check for levelness. Use shims if needed.
Attach the Ductwork
- Connect insulated metal ducting to the outlet collar on the range hood. Carefully extend and shape the ducting to reach the exterior termination point.
- Wrap all duct connections thoroughly with aluminum tape to create an air-tight ventilation pathway.
- For external venting, feed the ducting to the planned outside venting point. Connect the wall or roof cap termination.
- For ductless recirculation, attach the included filters and air diverter. The diverter redirects airflow through the filters.
Mount the Range Hood
With the bracket securely on the wall and the ductwork in place, you can now mount the range hood itself:
- Feed any electrical wires through the range hood and make appropriate connections.
- Lift the hood into place over the bracket. Align the mounting holes or hooks.
- Secure the range hood to the bracket using the manufacturer’s provided mounting screws, bolts, or other hardware. Use any included washers.
- If applicable, firmly press the hood upward so that the hanging hooks fully catch and hang from the bracket. Insert any anti-tip brackets or screws.
- Inspect the mounting to guarantee the range hood is firmly anchored and level.
Complete the Electrical Connections
- Insert the 120V wires from the range hood into the corresponding wire nuts on the house wiring: white (neutral), black (live), green (ground). Twist wire nuts tightly and wrap with electrical tape.
- Connect ductless units to a standard wall outlet using the included power cord.
- Use cable clamps and staples to anchor any wiring against the wall or cabinetry.
- If hardwired, complete final connections in the breaker panel. Flip the breaker on to restore power.
Finalize the Installation
To complete the range hood installation:
- Remove protective plastic film from any surfaces. Clean the hood, internal housing, and area around the installation.
- Check lighting and fan speeds. Make any necessary adjustments.
- If included, install mesh or baffle filters. Run the hood briefly to check filter function.
- Verify that backdraft flappers or dampers in ducting freely open and close. This ensures proper ventilation.
- Seal any gaps or cracks around the hood with metal tape to prevent airflow loss and rattling while running.
Perform a Ventilation Test
It’s critical to validate proper airflow and ventilation. Here is how:
- Close all doors and windows to isolate the room. Turn on any central HVAC fans like bathroom or attic fans.
- Light a stick of incense or a smoke match and bring it close to the range hood intake.
- Turn the range hood fan setting to high. The smoke should get quickly drawn inward.
- Check that the upward flapper on exterior wall caps fully opens when the fan turns on.
- If any gaps exist in the capture zone or smoke billows out, immediately power down. Re-check installations until full smoke capture is observed.
Proper installation is confirmed when smoke gets fully captured and vented outside. Verify this before doing any cooking under the new hood!
FAQs About Installing Range Hoods
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about range hood installation:
How high should I mount my range hood?
- For optimal smoke and steam capture, install the hood 30-36 inches above the cooking surface. Consult your manual.
- Measure from the highest point, like burner grates. This leaves sufficient overhead clearance.
Do range hoods require special electrical work?
- Hardwired range hoods need proper wiring with a dedicated circuit. Consult an electrician if you lack experience.
- Standard plug-in range hoods simply plug into a nearby kitchen outlet. No special wiring required.
What tools do I need to install a range hood?
- Common tools include drills, screwdrivers, tape measure, level, pliers, utility knife, wire strippers, ladder.
- You may also need a jigsaw, reciprocating saw, or hole saw for cutting ductwork openings.
- Specialty tools like toggle bolt anchors may be needed for mounting into drywall without studs.
How do I cut holes for ductwork?
- Find the center point between wall studs and carefully cut a hole slightly larger than your duct diameter.
- For cabinets, measure carefully and use a jigsaw to cut the minimum-size hole needed.
- Make small starting cuts from the interior first, then cut out from the exterior side for a clean opening.
Can I mount a range hood on an exterior wall?
Yes, exterior wall mounting is possible. You’ll need an exposed conduit running straight outside to a weather-sealed cap. Take precautions for condensation and water infiltration.
What should I do if my range hood won’t turn on?
- Verify the circuit breaker is on and hood is getting power. Test any outlets.
- Inspect all wire connections, junctions, and wire colors against the manufacturer diagram.
- Check lamp bulbs and fuses according to manual instructions. Replace any damaged or blown parts.
- Still not working? Call customer support before attempting any complex electrical repairs.
Conclusion
While it takes planning and time, installing a powerful new range hood brings huge quality of life improvements to your cooking and kitchen. With the right tools and methodical installation steps, the process can go smoothly. Remember to always turn off electricity fully before wiring and drill into studs whenever possible for a sturdy mount. Ventilate properly to maximize smoke and odor removal. Finally, carefully inspect the final installation before enjoying easier dinnertimes and a fresher kitchen atmosphere.
