How to install a range hood.

What is a range hood?

A range hood is an appliance that’s mounted above a stovetop. A venting range hood evacuates the air and sucks in gas fumes, airborne grease, steam, smoke, combustion products, moisture, and heat from your cooking surface. Depending on where you live, your building code may require that you have a range hood.

When a range hood is turned on, it will sound like a fan is blowing in your kitchen. The hood may also feature a light that illuminates your cooking surface.

There are a wide variety of range hood types, including canopy hoods, convertible range hoods, and downdraft hoods. Range hood materials also vary and include copper, stainless steel, tempered glass, zinc, bronze, high-quality wood, and nickel silver.

Can I install a range hood myself?

Yes, you can install a range hood by yourself. However, you may need a pro to handle some parts of the installation. For example, you may need to:

• Hire an electrician to deal with the electrical connection and hardwire the hood.
• Hire an HVAC technician to install the ductwork (if you're opting for a ducted range hood) and electrical components.
• Hire a kitchen remodeler if you're undertaking a larger kitchen remodeling project.
• Hire an appliance installer to install the actual range hood in your kitchen. Make sure that they have the proper certifications to perform any necessary duct or electrical work.

What you’ll need.

• Range hood
• Drill
• Level
• Screwdrivers
• Long drill bit
• Caulk gun
• Wire stripper
• Oscillating tool or reciprocating saw
• Range hood
• Wall cap
• Ducting
• Tape measure
• Caulk
• Wire connectors

Tip: Range hoods are measured by air cleared out per minute, per square footage (“CFM”). You’ll generally want one that is rated for double the square footage of your kitchen. Also, make sure to choose one that measures the same size as your cooktop, so it can effectively capture all the elements below it.

Read all of the instructions in your owner's manual. A physical copy should've come with your range hood, but you may be able to find a version on the manufacturer's website.

Step 1: Remove the old hood (if necessary).

If you’re replacing an old range hood, you’ll begin by removing it. Range hoods are heavy, so it’s helpful to have someone with you who can support the weight of the hood as you remove the support screws.

First, shut off the power to the old hood at the breaker box. Then, unplug the hood and disconnect all electrical wires and wiring connectors. Once the old hood is unscrewed, lift the old hood and remove it.

Step 2: Mark the vent location.

If you’re installing a range hood for the first time, you’ll need to drill a hole in the wall, attach new ductwork, and (if necessary) add new wiring.

First, unpack the range hood. Remove the filter, electrical housing cover, and exhaust fan. Place the hood or provided template against the wall. Mark the locations for the holes for the duct and the cable.

Step 3: Check for wires and plumbing.

Before you install the hood, cut a small hole to see what’s behind the wall. If you find electrical lines or plumbing, it's best to contact a professional appliance installer for assistance.

Step 4: Cut the range hood vent hole.

Choose a vent direction that leads from indoors to outdoors most directly. If the stove isn’t on an exterior wall, contact an appliance installation professional. You may need their help to extend the vent through the roof.

Otherwise, use an oscillating tool, hole saw, or reciprocating saw to cut the vent hole. Make sure it’s large enough that it’s easy to run an electrical cable from the range hood to the power box. Use a long drill bit to drill locator holes at the edges of the vent hole that run through to the exterior wall.

Step 5: Cut the exterior vent pipe opening.

Head outside and find the locator holes. Outline the vent hole by connecting the dots between the locator holes. Use a saber saw, keyhole saw, or reciprocating saw to cut an opening for the vent pipe.

Step 6: Attach the duct or range hood vent cap.

Use screws and caulk to attach the duct or range hood vent cap to the exterior wall. If the duct isn’t long enough to reach the range hood, attach a duct extension with duct tape and sheet metal screws.

Step 7: Run power to the range hood.

If you’re not comfortable working with electrical wiring, it’s best to hire a professional electrician. Otherwise, make sure the hood’s power switches are turned to “off.” Shut off power to the circuit.

Run the electrical wiring through the hole in the wall, and attach it to the range hood with the cable connector. Mount the hood and drive the screws into the studs.

Step 8: Connect the wires.

Pair the wires by color (white, black, copper ground), and connect them with wire connectors. Put them back in the junction box and replace the electrical cover. Now, you're ready to restore power and test the vent range.

Step 9: Install vent covers.

Use your owner’s manual to get instructions on how to install the vent covers. Once you have them in place, you're ready to use your range hood.

Find installation professionals near you.

If you’re handy around the house and comfortable with power tools, you may be able to DIY install a range hood at home. However, if you find your project requires extensive electrical work, you may want to enlist a pro to help.

Hire an appliance installation professional near you on the Thumbtack app. Download the app today to see a list of top-rated pros, their reviews, and prices.

FAQs.

How much should it cost to install a range hood?

The cost to install a range hood largely depends on the type of range hood you choose. For an accurate price estimate, request quotes from nearby pros.

Do you need an electrician to install a stove hood?

You may need an electrician to help with the wiring and electrical connections when installing your stove's hood. However, an experienced appliance installer or HVAC technician should be able to complete the project as well. Just make sure that whoever you hire has the necessary certifications in your city and state to provide electrical work.

Do range hoods have to be vented outside?

A ductless range hood does not need to be vented outside. Only a range hood with a duct system needs to be vented outside.

A ducted range hood works by removing odors, smoke, and grease from inside your kitchen to outside of your home. A ductless range hood, on the other hand, only filters out the odors, smoke, and grease — it doesn't remove them from your kitchen.