Before you can start installing a new range hood in your home, you will need to follow some procedures first.
When you purchase the new range hood, you will generally find the owner’s manual in which you will find all the instructions that you need to follow in installing the new range hood.
However, before you go out there to purchase the new range hood, you need to make sure that you pick the right one for your home.
To make sure of that, here are some things you should do before purchasing the new range hood.
Table of Contents
Things You Should Consider Before Buying A New Range Hood
So before you get the new range hood, you have to make sure you get the right one. Follow these below to make exactly sure of that.
- Before buying a new range hood, measure the width of your current range. The new hood should be approximately the same width as your existing range.
- When considering a new range hood, take into account the square footage of your kitchen. Vent hoods are typically measured by the amount of air they can clear per minute, per square footage (CFM). The results may vary based on your kitchen type and home layout, whether it’s closed-off or open concept. Ideally, the new hood should be approximately double the square footage of your kitchen. For instance, if your kitchen is around 150 sq ft, aim for a range hood with a 300 sq ft CFM. Additionally, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the minimum CFM for your appliances and choose the highest recommended number. Ensure compliance with all local and state standards as well.
- Checking the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating is another crucial step. When installing a new range hood over gas cookers, ensure that the BTU threshold of the new hood meets or exceeds the total BTU output of the cooking surface. This ensures that the new range hood can effectively handle the amount of heat generated by the cooktop or range.
- Your cooking style should also be considered when choosing a new hood for your kitchen. If you are someone who fries and steams a lot, increasing the CFM will ensure that you get enough ventilation in your kitchen.
So these are some of the things that need to be considered before you decide to buy a new range hood. Let us get going.
Tools Needed For Installing New Range Hood
Once you’ve taken into account the factors mentioned above and successfully purchased your new range hood, the subsequent step is to proceed with the installation of the range hood.
Before installing the range hood, you will need to assemble the appropriate tools first. Below are the tools you will need to get this job done.
- Twist drill bits
- Punches and nail setter
- Wire strippers
- Screwdriver set
- Caulk gun
- Cutting pliers
- Reciprocating saw or oscillating tool
- Power drill
Materials Needed For Installing New Range Hood
Apart from getting the tools above, there are also some materials that you will have to get before you can start working on installing the new range hood. Here are the materials that you will need below.
- Caps
- Metal ducts
- Wall mount range
- Building wire
- Caulk
- Wire connectors
How To Install A New Range Hood
So after you have gotten the materials and the tools you will need for the job, you can now commence installing the new range hood. Follow the steps here closely to get the job done.
Steps For Installing Your New Range Hood
- Step 1 – Removing The Old Rangehood
Before installing the new range hood, you will have to get rid of the old one first if there is an old range hood already there.
First, get to the breaker box and switch the power to the range hood. It would help if you did this before installing the new range hood.
Unplug the old range hood and make sure to disconnect all its electrical wires. You may need to get another person to help you with the uninstallation process during this process.
The person will help by holding up the old range hood while removing the support screws.
- Step 2 – Locating And Marking Vent Hood
You now measure the new range hood to see where its vent will be coming out.
If the vent includes a paper template, utilize that template to measure the space on the wall where the vent hole will be.
Alternatively, if the hood does not include its paper template, use measurements from the hood to determine the location of the new vent hole on your wall.
- Step 3 – Checking The Vent Wall
Consider cutting a small portion of the wall where the vent hole will be before boring a larger hole.
Ensure there are no plumbing or electrical wires behind the wall, as their presence could interfere with the upcoming installation work.
Encountering plumbing or electrical wiring behind the wall warrants seeking professional advice before proceeding with the subsequent steps outlined in this article.
In such situations, where plumbing or electrical wiring is present, venting through the roof may be necessary instead of through the wall. Venting through the roof can also be a complex process in its own right. Consulting a professional is advisable to navigate these challenges effectively.
- Step 4- Cut The Interior Hole Of The Vent
After making sure that you are clear to cut through the wall that will lead to the vent outside the kitchen, you then cut a hole through the wall up to about six inches wide with an oscillating tool or a reciprocating saw.
If you prefer, you can make the hole a bit larger to give yourself more room to work. Then, use a long drill bit to create locator holes extending to the outside of the wall.
You should place the locator hole on the edges of the vent hole.
- Step 5 – Now Cut The Vent Pipe Hole
Before you start cutting the vent pipe hole on the outside wall, the locator holes should be connected to form a circle through which you will be missing.
Utilize either a reciprocating saw or an oscillating tool for this step. If the exterior wall is paneled or uneven, consider cutting a square piece of PVC trim and placing it on the exterior wall before cutting the hole through the trim.
- Step 6 – Attaching The Duct Or Range Hood Vent Cap
Insert the vent cap into the exterior opening or the PVC trim, ensuring it is long enough to connect to the range hood. Secure it by attaching screws and applying caulk to achieve a tight, waterproof seal.
- Step 7 – Prepping The Damper
After you set the waterproof caulk, you will now look for the damper that came with the new range hood.
Measure the damper against the interior hole so that you will be able to know the amount of space you will need for the duct size.
Test with a small amount of duct to verify that you have the correct measurements before proceeding to cut a larger piece of duct.
Now, mark the outside of the damper to use it as a reference for where you will be taping the ductwork.
- Step 8 – Running The Electrical Wiring
To facilitate running the electrical wiring from the range hood to the electrical box, you may need to drill holes on each side of the vent.
Ensure that you have sufficient conduit and wires running from the breaker box to the electrical terminal box of the range hood.
Check that your electrical wiring is up to code. You can get an electrician to handle the electrical wiring part for you if you are not confident, and I recommend you do so.
- Step 9 – Positioning The Range Hood
For this task, enlist the help of a second person to assist you in holding the weight of the range hood while you align and secure all the mounting slots on the hood.
Subsequently, remove the grease filter to enhance access for tightening and securing the screws. Level the hood and proceed to tighten the upper screws as well.
- Step 10 – Connecting The Wiring
At this point, clip off any excess wiring and strip back the wires to connect them using caps and/or connectors.
Match the colors of the wiring to the corresponding color of the connector, then inspect the upper copper ground wire to ensure it is connected to the grounding wire connector.
- Step 11 – Installing The Vent Covers
After you connect the wires, you can now turn the power on again to see if the range hood is working perfectly.
Once you have ensured these connections, proceed to install the vent covers following the instructions provided in the range hood owner’s manual.
Please make sure to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual precisely to the letter.
So this is how you install your new range hood in your kitchen. It may seem like a complex process to follow, but it is pretty straightforward.
You can also pay extra to get professionals to install it if you think it is too much of a task for you.
Further Tips To Know
Here are some things that you need to know apart from knowing how to install your range hood
How Much Does Range Hood Installation Cost
The cost of a range hood will always depend on the type of range hood you purchase and the materials you will need to use during the installation process. However, you can expect anywhere from $100 upwards, for getting your range hood installed.
Installing your range hood will not require the service of an electrician. However, there are times when you will need an electrician present to handle the electrical wire installations for you.
Old Range Hood Wiring Diagram
Do You Need An Electrician To Install A Rangehood?
When it comes to installing a range hood. wiring a range hood, you may need an electrician to do the hand wiring for you.
You can install the range hood yourself without the need of an electrician because the range hood comes with-pronged plugs.
How To Wire A Range Hood
- Get to know the range hood that is connected to the breaker
- The breaker needs to be turned off
- Cut off your standard plug with a wire cutter
- To remove the rubber coating, use a wire cutter
- Pick out the colors of the wires
- Pull the wires together by removing the wire caps
- Attach the wire caps as a safety measure
- Turn on the breaker
Conclusion
So today’s article was all about how to install a new range hood in your kitchen.
I am very sure that this article on the old range hood wiring diagrams and new range hood installation steps has been helpful to you in many ways.
Don’t forget to check out the other home renovation-related articles we have like everything you need to know about egress windows and more.
