How to Install a Kitchen Range Hood

Place the range hood on the floor upside down. Remove the filter and bottom cover, along with the duct-connector-damper, if it has one on the inside, using a socket wrench or screwdriver. Find the knockout plugs on the inside of the hood. Knock out the plug located at the back of the hood unit using a hammer and screwdriver.

Attach the damper to the rear of the hood, and twist to screw in place. Ask your helper to put the hood on the wall. Check the kitchen hood with a carpenter’s leveler to make sure the hood is level and not crooked. Use a pencil to trace the opening on the wall.

Locate the breaker box or fuse box in the utility room or basement, and turn off the power to the room or turn off the main breaker to power off the entire home.

Cut out the knockout hole you made on the wall with a reciprocating saw. Fit your drill using an extension shaft and a 3/8-inch spade or masonry bit. Drill four holes into the exterior wall using the four corners of the knockout hole opening as your guide. Go outside with your reciprocating saw, and cut from hole to hole to finish cutting out the exterior wall. Check the wiring with a voltage meter.

Ask your helper to hold the hood against the wall. Feed the electrical cable into the hood, and push the hood tightly against the wall. Secure the range hood to the cabinet using the screws provided and your drill. Connect the wires with wire nuts by connecting the ground wire to the ground screw in the hood and black to black, and white to white.

Put silicone caulk to the underside of the wall cap. Slide the wall cap’s end through the outside wall. Attach the duct-connector-damper to the range hood. Tighten up on the clamp provided to secure the hood and damper, or use duct tape to secure the two parts. Screw the cap to the exterior wall. Go back to the kitchen, and install the parts removed from the hood such as the filter and bottom cover.

Turn the power back on, and test the light and fan.