Installing a ductless range hood can significantly enhance the air quality and visual appeal of your cooking space, ultimately elevating your overall culinary experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing a ductless range hood, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this DIY project.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner eager to take on new challenges, this guide will equip you with the necessary insights to successfully complete the installation. Let’s dive in and transform your kitchen with a sleek and efficient ductless range hood.
Things you’ll need
If you’re used to installing and hanging decorations on your wall, a wall mounted kitchen hood is different. It’s highly recommended to get everything you might need upfront, rather than stop in the middle of the job to go buy extras.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tape measure
- Big pieces of cardboard
- A pencil
- A level
- Drywall screws
- Screws that might be included in the package
- Screwdrivers, which may sometimes be included in the package as well
- An electrical outlet
- Wire stripper
- Electric circuit tester
- Power jigsaw
- Power drill and different drill bits
- Stud finder
Step by step guide
Pick the location
Make sure you have the required space. Double-check the manual, too, and ensure the height is right. The hood shouldn’t be too close to an electric outlet with safe capacity either, so double check this aspect upfront.
Measure
Determine the part on the wall where the hood will go. That’s when you’ll need the cardboard and tape. Measure the distance from the top of the chimney bracket as well.
While not always a general rule, most hoods can go over cooktops ranging between 29 and 34 inches, but you should still check.
Work on the electrical box
Extra care is required here because most fires actually start in the kitchen. Get the box, place it against the wall, and make sure it faces the wires.
Take out the electrical circuit tester and make sure the connections work well. Turn the circuit breaker off, and you’ll see some lines where you’ll be able to cut a small hole. Use the drywall screws to do it. Open the hole, then take the wires through it before locking the electrical box in.
Establish the outlet connection
Get the stripper to cut the insulated wire by about half an inch. Each wire should be bent in a J shape before going around the black wire. Screw in a clockwise motion and do it until it’s tight. You must do the same for the white wire, but keep in mind that it should go on the silver screw, which is neutral.
Finally, the copper wire should go by the ground screw.
Insert all wires into the box, then mount the straps.
Drill for brackets
Measure twice and drill once, that’s a common mistake among DIY enthusiasts. Get a piece of cardboard and measure using it, then mark the locations for drills. Use this cardboard as a map template. Start with the pilot hole and insert one screw after another.
Install the range hood
Locate the studs by the back of your hood. Anchor them to the drilled holes. This is when the pins you installed earlier come in handy, as they’ll secure the hood, making sure it doesn’t fall once you release it.
Test it
Plug the hood in and make sure it works. The installation is not complete yet, but you’ll have to make sure it works before proceeding. You can also test it before actually mounting it to the wall, but it might be a bit inconvenient due to its location.
Install the filters
The setup is ductless, which makes it super simple. This means you won’t need to do any loading up. There’s only one thing you need to do, and that’s installing the charcoal filter, which normally comes with the package.
The filter has the primary role to lead the airflow towards holes. Furthermore, you’ll also need to check the chimney, which should be tightly screwed into the body. If everything looks alright and feels secure, your new hood is ready to use.
Final words
This comprehensive guide has provided you with detailed, step-by-step instructions, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence needed to successfully undertake this rewarding DIY project.
While gathering the required tools and preparing for this installation journey, keep in mind the significance of accurate measurement, precise electrical work, and secure mounting. Take a moment to test the hood’s functionality before finalizing the installation, ensuring it operates as expected.
Once completed, your newly installed ductless range hood will not only enhance the visual appeal of your cooking area but also contribute to a fresher and more inviting environment.
