How To Install Kitchen Hood Vent On Your Own

Range hoods use an internal fan and filter to expel smoke and heat from the stove. People frequently purchase Range hoods in conjunction with stoves, although they can also purchase them individually. It is common for professionals to install kitchen hood vents and heavy appliances with the correct equipment. However, you can install kitchen hood vent yourself. Install a range hood by following these steps.

Prepare To Install Your Range Hood

You can contact range hood duct installation, Atlanta if you want accurate professional help.

Step 1:

If you have an old range hood, remove it. Remove all wires around the old hood’s light fixture by unscrewing the wire nuts and isolating the connections. Then, while a partner holds the old range hood in place, unscrew the screws that hold the hood in place. Slowly lift the hood off the screws, then lower it and remove the loosened screws.

Step 2:

Invest in a new range hood. Make sure the range hood is big enough to cover your stovetop and that you have at least 24 inches (60.96 cm) of clearance above it. Purchase a range hood that extends at least one inch (2.5 cm) on all four sides of your cooking area if at all possible.

Purchase a hood with the appropriate CFM rating. The cubic feet per minute (cfm) value indicates how much air the vent can extract each minute. Multiply the square footage of your kitchen by two to get the appropriate cfm rating.

For an average-sized kitchen, 250 cfm is adequate, but 400 cfm is ideal. Make sure the range hood you’re purchasing is the right size for your kitchen. 36in, 48in, and 60in are the most prevalent sizes.

Make certain that a vented range hood will vent through the proper wall opening. You can also vent Range hoods through the cabinets above or the wall. If you’re buying a new range hood and already have a vent pipe, check sure they’ll fit together simply.

Also Read: Guide for supply and return vent placement

You’ll have difficulties connecting the two if, for example, the range allows cabinet (upper) venting but your old vent pipe runs through the wall directly behind the vent.

Step 3:

Remove the range hood’s cover, as well as the fan and filter underneath. Remove the filters first, then the bottom panels using a screwdriver. To prevent damage while shipment, detach the duct connector, which is normally attached to the underside of the bottom panels. Finally, remove the back of the hood’s perforated duct cutout. This can be done with a slotted screwdriver and a hammer, but be careful not to damage any metal around the knockout.

Step 4:

At the main electrical panel, turn off the power to the circuit that supports the range for safety. Next, check to see if the old hood’s light and power switches are turned off.

If you have a plug-in range hood, simply unplug it and skip this step.

Vent Preparation On Vented Hoods

You won’t need to install ductwork or drill a hole for your vent if you’re replacing an old vented range hood with a new one. You’ll have to perform a little extra legwork if you’re establishing a venting range where none previously existed or removing a recirculating range.

Step 5:

Mark the location for the vent cutout in your wall or cabinet using the template (or instructions) Mark the precise middle of the wall using a laser level or a water level. Then tape your template to the wall, aligning it with the middle. You can begin drilling for your cutout now. The cutout in the wall must, of course, completely match the knockout in the range hood.

Drill for electrical wiring as well if necessary. Call an electrician to spec the job for you if you’re not experienced with electrical work.

Must Read: How Does An HVAC Split System Work

Step 6:

For the vent, drill, or cut. To achieve the templated shape of your cutout, cut through the drywall with a drill or a wallboard saw.

that came with your hood. A manufacturer’s template is included with most range hoods. Consider yourself fortunate if the space behind the wall is free of studs or plumbing. If this is the case, there are many workarounds available. (See the next step.)

Step 7:

Work your way past any impediments in your cutout. If you come across pipes when cutting out the opening for the exhaust vent, you’ll have to call an audible. Allow yourself to work freely by opening up a larger rectangle of the wall. Then you must complete three essential tasks:

Reroute and re-solder the pipe so that it no longer blocks your aperture. If you are unfamiliar with this type of project, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional plumber or general contractor.

To support the new wall patch, drill 1 x 3 cleats into the top and bottom of the wall. This will provide structural support to the new wallboard that covers the opening. To completely cover the hole, drill, tape, and mud the new wall patch. After it has dried, use your template to remove the original exhaust cutout. 

Step 8:

Install any necessary ducting so that it exits your home safely. Keep in mind that the venting cannot end inside the wall or attic; instead, the exhaust must pass through a duct outside the house.

Learn more about HVAC cleaning in Atlanta.

Putting The Hood Together

Step 9:

Make a mark for the screws and cable holes.

Now is the time to put your template to work. Otherwise, secure the hood and have a companion mark the screw holes within the hood.

Step 10:

Drill holes in the wall or cabinet above for the mounting brackets or screws. Whether you’re mounting your hood straight into the wall or into existing cabinets will determine where you drill the screws. Note: If using brackets to mount directly to a wall, drill the screws all the way through the wall; if using existing cabinetry, drill the screws only halfway through the cabinetry – you want the range hood to be able to move over and rest on top of the screws.

If you’re mounting something into a tiled wall, for example, use a nail set and hammer to make little holes in the tile. When you drill your mounting brackets straight into the wall, you’ll be less likely to damage the tile.

If the cabinet is thin, wooden blocks may be required to fit and reinforce the mounting screws.

Step 11:

Examine your alignment. For vented range hoods, the vent should match the aperture for the ducting. Before tightening the screws, realign the hood as needed.

Step 12:

Join the wires together. Run the cable from the interior of the wall to the hood’s cable hold. Both the fan and the light require black and white cables to be connected.

If you’ve never done an electrical project before or aren’t sure how to follow the manufacturer’s directions, hire an electrician to assist you. Connect the two black wires coming from the hood to the single black wire coming from the wall. Replace the white wires and repeat the operation.

Connect the green grounding wire from the wall to the range hood’s grounding screw. If you haven’t already, install an electric plug if you’re utilizing a plug-in hood. Then connect your hood.

Step 13:

Reattach the filters to the hood and secure any grease guards in place. Then, by tightening the screws, replace the hood cover.

Step 14:

Reset the power and check the fan and light for functionality. Check the duct outside whether the range hood is vented to ensure proper ventilation.

Conclusion:

We hope that this article has satisfied your query about how to install kitchen hood. It is a very easy process, yet one should be careful during the installation of a kitchen hood.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *