how to install range hood vent ductwork

Home » Range Hoods » How to install Range hood vent through the ceiling?

How to install Range hood vent through the ceiling?

7 Views 0

How to install range hood vent through ceiling?

Installing a range hood vent through ceiling can be a bit tricky if you're equipped with the right tools and guidelines. You may know the benefits of installing a range hood vent into your kitchen, but do you know how to do that? If your answer is NO, then no worries. I am here to help you out.

When I installed my range hood vent through the ceiling, I had no proper guidance and tools and end up messing up all the things. Then I read and watched how to install range hood vent through the roof. These helped me and I could successfully install the vent over my stove.

What you will get to know?

In this guide, I am going to share my experience with you including what tools you need, a step by step installation guide, and things to avoid. Regardless of if you're a beginner or specialist, this step by step guide will surely help you.

I have also addressed some important FAQs at the end, give them a read to have a better understanding of range hood vents.

Things needed

Before proceeding towards the installation process, you must get your hands on all the essential things and tools required. You need tow kind of things, one is materials and the other is tools.

Tools

Electric drill
Wirecutter
Screwdrivers
Reciprocating straws
Hammer
Drill bits
Caulking gun
Tape measures
Gloves
Goggles
Drywall Saw
Sheet metal shears

Materials

Range hood
Vent caps
Wire nuts
Duct strap
Electrical cable
Screw anchors
Metal ducting
Cable clamps
Roofing tar
Duct flashing

Once you get all these tools and materials, then it's time to start the vent hood installation process.

Remove your old Range hood

Before installing a new range hood, you need to remove the existing range hood in your kitchen. If your kitchen doesn't have a range hood, you can skip this step and move to the next one.

For removing the range hood, simply detach the wires. Unscrew all the nuts and separate the wires. Once you have unscrewed all the nuts, ask someone to hold the hood and take it off carefully. Be cautious not to hurt yourself.

Installation process

The installation process needs focus and precision. You can ask for someone's help to divide the labor. Make sure you're feeling well and fresh otherwise you can mess things up.

1. Disassemble the range hood

First things first, you need to disassemble the range hood vent. By doing so, things become easier. It's easy to fix parts when they are separated from each other. Firstly, take off the filters from the hood. Then by unscrewing the nuts, take out the fan. And lastly, you need to remove the lights.

Be very careful when you're disassembling the range hood vent. Keep lights and fan in a safer place, otherwise, these could get damaged. When you're done with removing these parts, make sure the upper hole of the vent is visible and empty.

2. Mark out the ceiling

The second step of the installation process involves marking out the ceiling. You need to mark out the exact spot from where you want to mount the vent hood. For marking the exact spot, you can ask your partner to hold up the vent in place while you outline the points with the help of a marker.

These days, most of the range hood vent comes with a template. If your vent hood has a template, then it's better to use that for marking the points. In some cases, you also have to mark out the exact spots on the upper side of the cabinets. (How to install range hood under cabinet)

3. Drill the hole

After marking the spot, the next step is to drill the holes. For that, take a drill and draw holes in all corners where you have marked the points. You can also use a reciprocating saw for drilling the holes. Make sure to drill one or two extra holes for wires, otherwise you have to do it again.

Make sure to drill the exact spot. And once you have drilled, put your vent inside to check if it fits perfectly or not. If there's a single mistake at this point, everything will fall apart. That is why you must be pinpoint accurate at this step.

4. Bore a hole on the ceiling

Once you have drilled the holes, you need to repeat the same drilling process for your rooftop. Depending on the type of your ceiling material, use only that tool which is recommended. As you can't use a single tool for both wooden and concrete roofs.

Many people find this step quite hard, but if you pay a little attention and choose the right kind of tools, you can do it easily.

For drilling the exact hole, use the same measurements or template. This hole is going to vent out the smoke and heat, so be very careful with its location. Locate it near the path you have drilled so that the venting process becomes easier.

5. Join parts of the hood

Now that you're done with drilling both holes, it's time to re-attach the vent hood parts. Carefully put back all the parts with the same sequence you take them out. Be very careful when attaching the electrical wires, one wrong connection and your entire hood will be useless.

For connecting the right wires, run the wire from inside the wall to the cable hood. Wires for fan and lights must be connected in the right manner. It's better to take some professional help if you're not good at it.

Connect one black wire from the outside wall to two black wires inside the hood.
Repeat the same process for white wires.
Attach the green grounding wire to the grounding screw on the hood.
Then plug in your hood.

6. Mount the range hood vent

This is one of the most crucial steps and all the efforts you have made were for this installation.

Once you have put all the things back, it's time to install the range hood vent in its place. Pass the upper part of the vent through the drilled hole. Make sure to ask someone to hold the hood otherwise it may fall off or leak.

Once you have put the vent inside, ensure that no other unit is left out and all units are fused properly. However, be very careful not to obstruct the vent hood's damper.

Wrap up the range hood

Now that you have mounted the vent, it's time to ensure that everything is fixed in place. Seal the ducting that goes through the vent hood. For this, use the duct flashing in the right position to that it can easily pass through the flange. Next, wrap the range hood with the help of ceiling tar to make it firm. Lastly, put the vent cap on to prevent any unwanted objects to pass through the vent.

7. Reattach the fan and filters

The last step is to reattach the fan and filter you took out for safety concerns. And after that, you're done.

Turn on the power supply

Once you have installed your range hood in place, turn on the power supply to check whether it works properly or not. If you follow the steps carefully, your vent will be good and working. However, if your hood doesn't work, then it's highly recommended to take a professional's help.

Tip to follow

Always wear protective gear (gloves, goggles) to protect yourself from any possible harm.
Don't operate the drill if you are not familiar with that. Take a plumber's help for this purpose.
Make sure to turn off all the electric supplies before disassembling and installing the range hood.
Ask someone to help you in lifting the range hood as it might fall off if you're working solely.
Make sure to attach the right wires, otherwise, it can lead to a short circuit.
Do not use plastic ducts or pipes.
Always use wire nuts for connecting the wires in place.
Insulate your ductwork to avoid any possible leakage.
Make sure all your wire connections are correct. The white wire is neutral, the black one is the hot wire, and the green is the grounded wire. They must be connected with the largest tip, smaller tip, and smallest tip respectively.

FAQs

How much time is required to install a range hood?

It depends on the type and size of your range hood. Typically, it takes 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours in order to install the hood under the cabinet.

How much does a range hood cost?

On average, most range hoods cost around $300 to $400. However, there are plenty of options available if you're on a lower budget. You can also go for some more expensive and highly durable range hoods.

What is the difference between ductless and ducted range hood?

The ductless range hood can be fitted anywhere and doesn't need any ductwork. It lows the air out from the top and circulates it inside the kitchen. These hoods don't need to be vented outside on the roof or wall.

The ducted range hoods, on the other hand, need to be vented outside. These range hoods remove air, smoke, and odor completely from the kitchen and require proper ductwork, the same as we did in this guide.