Do you want to learn how to install a wall mount range hood?
Wall mounted range hoods have adjustable chimneys that can usually fit kitchen ceilings up to around 10-feet high.
In this guide, I will go over...
- How to align and secure the range hood to the wall
- Securing the bracket and chimney to the ceiling
- And tips on connecting the flexible duct
Let's get started with this guide!
How To Install A Wall Mount Range Hood
The first step in installing a wall mount range hood is to ensure proper placement of the hood on the wall, tracing out the body and screw holes on the drywall. You also want to make sure it is level and straight.
After securing the hood to the wall with the provided brackets, you will need to connect the flex duct to the top of the hood, and then fasten the chimney all the way up to the ceiling.
For full details of each step, keep reading...
Read Also: What Are The Best Wood Range Hoods?
Step 1 - Verify Parts & Operation
As a general rule, I always like to check my appliances thoroughly before the installation. For a range hood, I advise homeowners to make sure all of the parts actually came in the box.
I also recommend taking out the range hood, put it on your kitchen countertop, and plug it in. Test all of the fan speed settings, the lights, timers, and any other features of the hood. The last thing you want is to do the work of installing a range hood only to realize that you are missing a part or that the hood doesn't work properly.
You would be surprised how often a homeowner installs a kitchen hood only to realize that the blower fan is making a racket and needs to be returned.
Read Also: How To Install ZLine Range Hoods?
Step 2 - Mark The Range Hood On The Wall
The next step for homeowners is to ensure proper placement of the range hood above the stove and to mark it with a pencil.
Having a friend hold up the range hood as you mark it with a pencil is very helpful. You want to make sure that the hood is centered above the range or cooktop. I also recommend that you use a bubble level to verify that it is straight. For good indoor air quality, you want the range hood to cover as much as the cooktop or range as possible, at minimum you want it to be the same width.
The ideal height for a range hood is between 24-36 inches above the cooking surface. If you are unsure how well the range hood will be at venting, bring the hood closer to the cooking surface will provide better suction. A few inch variance above or below the 24-36 inch range is also okay if needed.
It is a a good idea to verify that the chimney will reach the ceiling as well.
Once you are sure about placement, outlet the hood with a pencil, and also draw in the the screw holes with a pencil.
Read Also: What Are The Best Stainless Steel Range Hoods?
Step 3 - Fasten Range Hood To Wall
After marking the range hood and screw holes on the wall, you can drill out the holes on the drywall. Now you can insert the drywall anchors that came with the unit and attach the main bracket to the back of the range hood.
Put the range hood up against the wall, align the bracket with the pre-drill holes and plastic anchors. Now you can use the provided screws to secure the bracket and range hood to the wall.
Step 4 - Connect The Duct
Once you have secured the range hood to the wall, you can connect the flex duct to the top of the hood's outlet collar.
Most range hood ducts will be either flexible metal or foil. Rigid metal ducting is always the best because it improves air flow, but it is more of a hassle to install.
I recommend securing the duct to the top of the range hood with aluminum foil tape which won't melt when subjected to heat. If you secure the duct with a plastic zip tie, it may melt.
Read Also: Do Range Hoods Have To Be Vented Outside?
Step 5 - Install The Lower Chimney
With most range hoods, there will be two sections of the chimney which will cover the flexible duct.
You will need to connect these two pieces together, and there will likely be a slot so that they can slide together.
Before securing the top of the chimney to the ceiling, you will need to secure the bottom portion of the chimney to the range hood itself with the provided screws.
Read Also: What Are The Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods?
Step 6 - Install The Upper Chimney
Once you have secured the bottom chimney, you can slide the upper or outer chimney all the way to the ceiling.
With a ladder, mark the holes in the upper chimney to the wall, and make sure that the holes are level.
Similar to installing the range hood, you will need to drill out the holes for the upper chimney bracket, and then insert the drywall anchors. And then you can fasten the upper chimney bracket with the provided screws.
Step 7 - Connect Duct To Existing Vent
Once you have fastened the chimney bracket, you will need to finish the ducting job before you can fully put the chimney in place.
If there is already a duct in the wall from the previous kitchen hood, you can simply fasten them together with aluminum foil tape.
If there isn't an existing duct, then you will have to route the vent duct to the outdoors and install an exterior hood cover. The exterior hood will have a flapper to keep out pests and exterior air going into the home.
Step 8 - Fully Install Chimney
Once you have connected the duct to the existing vent pipe or routed to the outside, you can fully extend the chimney and secure it.
All you have to do is slide the outer chimney to the ceiling, align the sides with the chimney bracket, and secure it with the provided screws.
Read Also: What Are The Quietest Range Hoods On The Market?
Step 9 - Plug In Hood & Install The Filters
After completely securing the chimney, all you have to do is plug in the range hood and install the filters. The filters will either be aluminum mesh filters or baffle filters.
If you decided to go with a recirculating installation, then you will need to install a charcoal filter.