How to Install a Range Hood In Your Kitchen
If you’re considering upgrading the range hood in your kitchen but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will provide you with the steps necessary to successfully install a new range hood. An effective range hood will help remove odors, smoke and airborne grease in your kitchen, so you can focus on the cooking without worrying about lingering food smells.
Read on to learn about the process for a range hood installation, or this guide for range hood microwave combination installation, but please note that this guide should be used as an overview. Specific instructions and additional information will be found in your owner’s manual.
Range hood installation: A step by step guide
Prior to purchasing your new range hood, take into account how much cooking and style of cooking you do, as well as the size of your kitchen. Your range hood’s venting capability is measured in the amount of air they clear per minute, per square footage (CFM). A good rule of thumb is to purchase a range hood that has double the CFM of your kitchen. If your range is a gas range, then you’ll also want to make sure that the CFM of your range hood meets or exceeds the BTU output of your cooktop.
Additionally, if you do a lot of frying or steaming, you may want to consider a range hood that has a higher CFM to make sure that the hood can provide optimal clearing.
Supplies
Caps
Wire connectors
Metal ducts
Wall mount range
Building wire
Caulk
Tools
Twist drill bits
Punches and nail setter
Wire strippers
Power drill
Screwdriver
Caulk gun
Cutting pliers
Oscillating tool/Reciprocating saw
Note: Before doing this, make sure that you shut off power at the fuse box. Unplug the range hood and disconnect all electrical wiring.
Step 1. Remove existing range hood
If you’re replacing an older model range hood with a new one, or replacing an existing microwave with a range hood, then you’ll first want to remove the older model.
Range hoods are heavy, so to avoid injury, make sure that you use the help of a second person to support the weight of the hood as you unscrew it from the wall.
Step 2: Locate and check where the new range hood will be installed
You’ll want to measure both the new range hood and the wall where the hood will be installed. Oftentimes, range hoods come with a paper template to help measure out where the vent hole will go for installation. You can use this template or a tape measure. Measure and mark the spot with a pencil or tape your template.
Before cutting the bigger hole, make a small one in the wall to make sure that there isn’t any plumbing or wiring behind the wall that could interfere with the installation. Any wiring or plumbing present may require a contractor to find a work around for the new vent. Additionally, the wall where the vent hole will go should have direct access to the outside.
Step 3: Cut the hole for your vent
You’ll need at least a 6 inch hole for your new vent. Use an oscillating tool or reciprocating saw to open the hole. If necessary, you can make the hole bigger for more room to work. Since you’ll also need a hole on the outside of your home, drill 4 smaller locator holes on each edge of the vent hole with a long drill bit.
Step 4: Cut the exterior vent hole and attach the vent cap
When opening the exterior hole, use the locator holes as a reference guide by connecting them to form a circle to cut through with the reciprocating saw or oscillating tool. Attach your duct or range hood vent cap, making sure that it’s long enough to connect to the range hood. Once attached, secure with screws and caulk to seal it.
Use a PVC Trim
You’ll want your exterior vent hole to be secure and waterproof. If your home has panels, a rough or uneven exterior, cut a square piece of PVC trim, and cut the exterior hole through the trim. Attach your vent cap to the hole in your trim and secure it with the screws and caulk.
Step 5: Connect the damper
Some range hoods come with a damper that will need to be attached to the interior vent hole. Measure the interior hole to see how much duct you’ll be needing, and cut out a smaller section of duct first to make sure it fits. Once you have your measurements, mark the outside of the damper to reference where to tape the ductwork with duct or foil tape.
Step 6: Connect the electrical wiring
When running your electrical wiring, make sure that there is enough conduit and wiring that extends from the breaker to the electrical terminal box of the range hood. You can drill holes on the sides of the vent to run the wiring from the hood to the electrical box.
Step 7: Place your new range hood and secure with mounting screws
Using the help of a second person to hold the range hood, insert the mounting screws through the mounting slots of the hood, making sure to tighten the upper screws first. You can remove the grease filter to make it easier to tighten. Once the range hood is positioned but before the screws are tightened completely, use a level to make sure that the hood is level.
Step 8: Complete the electrical wiring
Connect each wire to its corresponding color connector and the copper ground wire to the grounding wire connector using wire caps. Clip any excess wiring.
Note: If you do not feel confident running the electrical wiring yourself, hiring an electrician is strongly advised.
Step 9: Finish installation of your range hood
Add parts like filter screens, vent covers or the fan if you removed them during the installation. Turn your power back on to ensure that the installation was successful and that your new range hood is working as it should. If everything is working properly, your installation is complete.
How much does it cost to install a range hood?
The total cost of replacing a range hood will depend on how extensive the installation will be. On average, a new range hood and its installation will cost around $750-$1000, though it may differ depending on existing ductwork or whether there will be paneling or cabinetry added to conceal the range hood.
Do range hoods have to be vented outside?
Range hoods can be vented outside, or they can recirculate the air back into your kitchen. Ducted range hoods can be a bit more effective at clearing the air, though you should make sure that the vent goes to the outside and not into the attic or crawlspace, since this could cause mold to form within your home. Downdraft range hoods improve ventilation without needing ductwork vented outside.
Can I install a range hood by myself?
If you are confident doing household maintenance and are replacing an old range hood with a newer model, then you should be able to install a range hood yourself. However, you may want to hire or consult with an electrician or HVAC professional if your new installation requires new ductwork or electrical wiring.
Where can I get help installing a range hood?
You can always hire a contractor for the installation. Additionally, you can find sources online and your local home improvement store may also offer installation services.
If purchasing a Maytag® range hood, Maytag offers installation services that can be added on during the time of purchase for an additional fee. Service includes removing the old appliance and removing all trash after the installation. To know if your purchase qualifies for installation, see your cart at checkout.
