How to install range hood vent ductwork. While installing a new range hood, you’ll have a choice whether to vent it outside or not.
It is always the best choice to duct your hood outside as it will keep the air inside healthy and clean.
Next comes the location where you can install the ductwork, which mainly depends on the design and size of the kitchen.
If you have enough space, you probably have different options for installing the ductwork. Depending on the type of hood you are using, the duct will either run.
- Horizontally (e.g, Island hoods that need to vent through the ceiling) or
- Vertically (e.g., Wall hoods that need to vent through the wall or ceiling).
In both cases, you need to follow the guidelines for range hood vent installation.
How to install range hood vent ductwork
- Marking the location where you want to install the vent. Depending on the size and design of the kitchen, mark it on the wall where the vent will come out on the range hood.
- Cut the hole in the wall for Rang Hood Vent. Before cutting a large hole in the wall, make sure there are no electrical or plumbing lines behind the wall. Make sure you cut a hole that is larger in size than the vent; it will enable you to run the electric cable from the range hood.
- Cut the opening for the vent pipe. This step requires drilling from the inside and cutting the wall from the outside.
- Next, you need to attach the vent cap to the wall with screws; you can use caulk and screws for tight sealing.
- Cutting of duct damper comes next. You need to size the damper to the hole that has to be ducted. Place a piece of duct in the hole to make sure you have enough space. Then with the help of the interior damper, mark from outside where to tape the ductwork.
- Electrical line installation. Run the electrical line from the range hood to the electrical box. Connect the wires with connectors and place them inside the junction box.
After installing the Vent, the next step is the installation of the Range Hood.
Range Hood Installation
- Install the Interior Damper in the back of the range hood. You need to make sure the direction is right. Now make it air-tight by using screws and foil tape.
- Mark the holes for the hood. Place the hood on the wall and mark the holes so that you know exactly where the hood has to be installed.
- Insert the screws exactly where you have marked them.
- Next, attach the vent hood where you have inserted the screws. The screws need to be tight enough.
- Connect the electrical wires with wire connectors by attaching the white to the white wire and the black to the black wire. Then connect the copper ground wire to the grounding wire connector.
- The last step in the installation is the insertion of the fan motor and filter into the housing.
Best Practices when installing Range Hood Ductwork
- Make sure the system outlet is not an enclosed area and is outside in the open.
- While determining the path for the ductwork, choose the most unobstructed one with the shortest run and fewest elbows.
- Do not use a plastic flexible duct for installation. Use rigid galvanized steel/metal HVAC ducts, which are more durable in the long run.
- Always seal the end of the duct with a roof cap, which will keep the dirt out of the duct and prevent leakage out of the duct system.
It is always better to follow the guidelines and instructions for smooth and error-free installation.
Installing ductwork for range hood cost
An average cost of $340 would be the price to pay an installer for 4-hours of labor. $85 is how much it costs every hour for the repair service, but it’s not inclusive of the ductwork installed in your home or office.
Related Guides
