The ducting system is the most important part while you are installing your kitchen’s ventilation hood. It is actually the enclosed space above your cooker hood unit whose main function is to collect smokes, fumes, and streams produced during the whole cooking process. It also helps in capturing every harmful air particle that may also be produced while you cook. After having the air, it vents them outside, thus improving the air quality and circulation in the kitchen.
You should always make sure that you install the proper kitchen vent hood to have the best functioning and benefits. The correct installation process allows for the appropriate collection of smoke, fumes, and steam from the kitchen this will leave the kitchen with higher air quality as well. You must read through the blog post to understand the proper installation procedure for the ventilation hood for your whole kitchen.
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Range Hood Duct Installation
Materials and equipment you require for installing ductwork for range hood
- Silicone: For the purpose of sealing around joining parts while installation
- Roto zip saw: For the purpose of drilling of holes in the wall
- Cordless drill: For drilling holes in the walls or ceiling.
- Measuring tape: To provide the measurements on the locations for the ductworks and the cooker hood unit
- Square adaptor: It allows the use the other driving tools
- Screw: It helps in securing the appliances on the walls
- Ducting unit of course
Step-by-step guide to install range hood
Here is your step-by-step guide to kitchen hood duct installation
Step 1. Select the appropriate place where your ductwork has to run
It is very important to figure out the appropriate location where you have to locate your ductwork and let it run. Always remember that the area that you will eventually choose should be free from any big studs, electrical wiring, or any other form of wiring. After you are done with finding these barriers, it will be good to avoid them and seek an alternate site or location for your ductwork. The area you should choose should not have any obstruction on its way through the house’s exterior and should be the shortest path to the kitchen’s exterior.
Step 2. Take the measurements properly
Always use a tape measure in order to measure the duct opening size on top of the kitchen range hood. Throughout the measuring process, you will have to understand that some of the wall’s connections will be rectangles while others could be round as well. The ducting size for the holes is usually between 6 to 7 inches however, you may need the square to round adapter when you are measuring these connections. You then have to take correct measurements to minimize the incidence of errors during the installation process.
Step 3. Attach the adaptor accurately
After you are done with taking the proper measurements, you will then have to attach the adaptor to the extractor fan’s top very carefully. While you are connecting the adaptor you will have to make sure that you attach the correct dust adaptor to the fan. You will accomplish this by pushing the duct adaptor down over the hood’s overhanging collar. You will then have to guarantee that the duct adapter to the stove hood’s fan uses the proper sheet metal screws. After this whole process, you will have to use a cordless drill and bit in order to safeguard the adapter using the sheet metal screws. Drive the screw on the back of the adaptor. Around the perimeter of all the fan’s sides, place either two or three screws to ensure the proper securing of the adaptor.
Step 4. Placing the wall outlet template
After connecting the adapter you must place a wall outlet template on the outside of the wall, after that use a pen or any other prominent marker for the purpose of making the outlet template’s markings accurate. With the help of a roto zip saw, you will have to cut out this hole that is on the wall. Keep that in mind that the hole should pass through the interior wall to the exterior side. In most of the kitchens, the designers exhaust the fume extractor on the wall because there is limited loft space.
Step 5. Installing the vent outlet cover
You must install the outlet cover of the vent from outside the kitchen. With the help of a screwdriver and drywall screws, you must secure the vent outlet cover from inside the kitchen. The vent outlet cover will meet with the ducting system in the wall inside of your kitchen. After you are done with this process, you can attach the two parts and seal them around these two parts with the help of silicone. You must close the parts properly for the purpose of preventing the reduced airflow and duct leaks from these joints.
Step 6. Place the hood unit on the wall
After you are done with joining the vent outlet cover and the ducting system, you will have to lift the range hood and place it on the wall very carefully. Keep in mind that the cooker hood unit might be heavy, or you may want to get an exact and proper position. You can seek the help of any friend or a colleague for this purpose as it might be very heavy for a single person to lift it alone. The other partner can hold up the unit for you in the correct places. Then slowly and carefully slide it over the vent outlet cover you had installed from outside the kitchen.
Step 7. Mount the fume extractor fan
All the way through the vent and vent cover, attach some sheet-metal screws from the system’s fan back. Then you will have to mount the fan with screws while with the help of some screwdrivers through the mounting holes on the fan. Then you will have to get to the house and reset the house power after which, test if the light and fan are working. If the whole ventilating and air circulation system is working appropriately, you can move to the outside and check the duct to make sure that the air movement is proper and accurate.
Your Ultimate Guide on Range Hood backdraft damper
Step 8. Install a damper
This step is very important after you are done with the ductwork installation process. You will have to install it on the outside top of the duct. The main purpose of the regulator is to try to keep trash and dirt away from the kitchen exhaust vent. The trash and dirt might affect the proper working of the kitchen aspirator hood system. In addition, it plays a huge role to prevent back drafting; it does not allow backflow of air into the duct to obstruct the proper air circulation.
Range Hood Duct size
While you are shopping for a range hood, you will always have to consider its width, cubic feet per minute (CFM), and style. These are, in any case, three of the very significant features that you have to be concerned about while you are shopping for a range hood and range hood vent duct. Nevertheless, one aspect of kitchen exhaust fans that is often unnoticed is that the range hood’s duct size and structure are also very important and should not be ignored at any cost. This step is just as crucial, if not more crucial, than range hood CFM. Irrespective of the CFM of your range hood, if you have ductwork that is too small, it will not run at maximum productivity.
So, you must always recognize the perfect duct size before you make your mind about any range hood system. This will always help you stay away from any sort of obstacles and unexpected costs down the line. Additionally, the right range hood duct size will always make sure that your hood is effective and quiet for further years to come.
How do you measure a duct for a range hood?
- 0-400 CFM: minimum duct size of 4”, recommended duct size of 6”
- 401-600 CFM: minimum duct size of 6”, recommended duct size of 8”
- 601-900 CFM: minimum duct size of 7”, recommended duct size of 8”-10”
- 901-1200 CFM: minimum duct size of 8”, recommended duct size of 10”-12”
- 1200+ CFM: minimum 10” diameter duct, recommended duct size of 12”
Range Hood Duct length code
Other than ductwork size, the length of your ductwork is also a very important thing that you must consider. In many cases, even if your ductwork is a little small or a little bigger, you still have solutions to exhaust the entire air efficiently for instance in case you have a very short run or length of ducting. First of all, keep in mind that a shorter duct run is always safer. Which eventually means that your air needs less velocity to make it to the outside.
Next, the fewer elbows, the better it would be. Each and every time when you change the direction of your ductwork, you might add confrontation and additional pressure to the air that is going out of your home. When reducing the length of your ductwork can assist with added resistance. Usually, it is not recommended to run your ductwork any longer than 30 feet, which is ideal in this scenario. From there, our standard reduction in length for each elbow or 90-degree elbow in your ductwork is 10’. So in case you need one elbow, then your max ductwork run should be no more than 20 feet max.
In that case, where you have to choose between a 20’ run with two elbows out the sidewall or a 40’ run straight up with no elbows, these will be about comparable to static pressure at the exhaust point. And at the end, since hot air rises, upward ducting is always the best way to go in the kitchen. It will help move the air out of your home faster.
Kitchen Services handle all range hood duct installation requirements – from consulting and designs to getting the required permits, installation, and final inspection. Call our experts in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
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How to clean a Range hood duct?
Materials required
- A damp cloth
- Paper towels
- Any cleaning solution such as glass cleaner, acetone, or Soft Scrub
1. Remove the baffle filters.
After you remove your baffle filters, you will be able to see the inside of your hood that might have one or two blowers that totally depend on the range hood model that you have, you may also see some wiring. These one or two blowers can also be the hurdle in terms of cleaning inside your range hood. You will have to be able to figure out around the blower or blowers to clean most of the inside of your hood. But in case you prefer you can remove and clean the blowers individually as well.
2. Soak cloth with a little amount of water.
Never put any amount of water inside the hood unit directly, you will have to be extra careful while you are cleaning your range hood. You never have to apply a lot of water to the towel or cleaning cloth.
3. Apply your cleaning solution to the towel directly.
In case your hood requires more than just a quick wipe, you have many other options for these kinds of hard stains. Glass cleaner can help you get rid of your hood of mild dirt buildup, acetone can help you to remove stronger grease, and soft scrub can help with the toughest stains. You must always use a soft scrub and we only recommend it if you have used your hood often in an outdoor barbecue setting and the grease is extremely tough.
If you end up using a soft scrub you will have to make sure that it has no grit. This will help maintain the stainless-steel finish on your hood. Always apply soft scrub to a soft white scotch Brite pad which will give the stainless steel a smooth clean.
4. Wipe the inside of the hood in the direction of the grain completely.
In case you are using any cleaning solution, you will first have to wipe the whole complete hood with the towel that is already dipped in the solution, and after that, you will have to clean it with another dry towel. Every stainless steel has a grain. It completely depends on how it is built at first, the grain will run horizontally or vertically. For a softer clean, we recommend you always wipe with the grain. In that case, if you do not know the direction of the grain on your stainless steel, you can also try wiping the appliance horizontally and vertically with any dry but soft cloth. You can face a little resistance when wiping against the grain.
5. Place the filters back in your hood.
After you are done with the proper cleaning of your range hood system, you then have to set your filters back into your hood, sliding the back end in first. Always make sure that everything is dry inside the unit before fitting the filters back again.
Range Hood Duct FAQs
What is the best type of duct for a range hood?
Always remember that the rigid duct will always provide the best duct option for any ducted range hood. It is considered a flexible duct, high quality, and more lasting than any other options available in the market at this time. While you are choosing the type of duct, make sure that you select the one that will serve you long and that will provide the quality airflow or circulation in your kitchen.
Do range hoods have to be vented outside?
The simple answer to this question would be “No”, range hoods that have no duct, or ductless range hoods can recirculate air back into our kitchen. Though, in order to clean your kitchen air most effectively, you must buy a ducted range hood. More accurately than rearranging the cooking exhaust, it will vacate it from your home completely. This will significantly improve your indoor air quality and is advantageous for your health and safety in the long term.
How far should a range hood stick out?
A range hood should stick out at a minimum half the length of your kitchen range and usually, it does not expand over its full length.
Should I insulate my vent hood duct?
You can insulate your vent hood duct, but it is not really required. Insulating your duct will decrease the noise of your blower if it is in line with the ductwork. It will also help in preventing smoke and greasy air from leaking into your joints and attic.
What is the maximum duct length for range hood?
Your range hood duct should not exceed 30′ for a straight run, 25′ for a run with one elbow, and 20′ for a run with two elbows. The shorter the duct, the better
Can you vent a range hood horizontal?
The ducting may run horizontally or vertically depending on your type of hood. Island hoods must vent through the ceiling, while wall hoods can vent through the wall or ceiling.
What type of duct is best for venting a range hood?
Rigid duct is the best type of duct to vent your range hood. It requires a one-time installation and little to no maintenance as long as you clean your range hood filters. Most rigid ductwork is made from durable stainless steel, as opposed to rigid ductwork which is aluminum or flimsy plastic.
Is it OK to use flexible duct for range hood?
You might be wondering: can I use flex duct for my range hood? No, do not use flex duct for your range hood. Most flex duct is made of cheap materials and will not last nearly as long as semi-rigid or rigid duct. You run the risk of having to clean or replace your duct which is quite expensive.
Can I use aluminum duct for range hood?
Semi-Rigid Aluminum Duct is ideal for kitchen range hood exhausting. This duct is totally noncombustible. It has a maximum operating temperature of 435 degree F.
How to vent a range hood?
You must vent your hood outside your home, through the ceiling or wall. It’s not healthy for smoke, cooking exhaust, humidity, and contaminants to build up in your attic. Instead, run the duct to the outside. This way, you’ll get rid of the smoke and cooking exhaust for good.
Can you use flexible duct for range hood?
Using flexible duct for a range hood is generally not recommended. Range hoods are designed to effectively remove smoke, odors, and grease particles from the cooking area, and using the right type of ducting is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
What are range hood duct requirements?
The minimum duct size for a range hood is 4, which is ideal for range hoods 400 CFM and under.
How to vent a range hood through a side wall?
To vent a range hood through a side wall, first, measure and mark the desired location. Cut a hole in the wall to fit the ductwork, ensuring it’s properly aligned. Install the duct, securing it with screws and sealing gaps with caulk. Attach the range hood to the duct, then add an exterior vent cap to prevent backdrafts and weather damage.
Can I use flexible aluminum duct for range hood?
Yes, you can use flexible aluminum duct for a range hood, but it’s not ideal. While it’s easier to install, flexible ducts can create more airflow resistance and collect grease, leading to reduced efficiency and potential fire hazards. For better performance and safety, it’s recommended to use rigid metal ductwork, such as galvanized steel or stainless steel.
How to choose the right kitchen range hood for effective ventilation?
When choosing the right type of kitchen ventilation, various options are available, including wall mount, island mount, and cabinet range hoods. For a sleek look, stainless steel kitchen range hoods are popular and durable, effectively removing smoke and odors from your cooking space. If you’re considering ducted range hoods, they require a vent hole to exhaust air outside, while ductless range hoods use charcoal filters to recirculate air back into the kitchen.
Installing a range hood involves connecting wiring connectors and ensuring proper alignment for optimal performance. An exhaust fan within the hood plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean kitchen environment. Whether you opt for a wall mount range hood or an island range hood, selecting the right kitchen hood is essential for efficient kitchen exhaust and overall functionality.
