7 Common Range Hood Installation Mistakes (How To Avoid Them)

Range hood installation can be a daunting task, but with the help of this blog post, you'll be able to avoid some common installation mistakes.

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A range hood is an essential part of any kitchen model. A range hood, like any other large appliance, requires installation, and just like any other significant appliance, a lot can go wrong during the installation process.

This article will outline the most common range hood installation mistakes and give tips on avoiding them. We hope that by reading this article, you’ll be able to get your range hood installed without any trouble!

What is a range hood?

A range hood is a kitchen appliance that aids in the reduction of smoke, dust, and grease produced by cooking. This is accomplished by dispersing these particles throughout the kitchen rather than allowing them to accumulate on the stovetops or in the air. This makes breathing easier and lowers your risk of respiratory problems.

Image of a kitchen with black painted wooden cabinet, marble designed countertop, a stove with range hood, and an oven. Source: curtis adams, pexels
Image of a kitchen with black painted wooden cabinet, marble designed countertop, a stove with range hood, and an oven. Source: curtis adams, pexels
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My favorite range hood (at the moment):

COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood

7 common range hood installation mistakes (how to avoid them) | 71ddmbmvgwl. Ac sl1500 | range hood homeland
My favorite range hood (at the moment):

COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood

This is one of the best hoods available at this price point. Reasonably strong CFM for the cost, and it has received rave reviews (over 3,800 reviews!). It looks great, and the LED lights provide a pleasant brightness. For the price, its performance and style are outstanding. Highly recommended!

Common mistakes when installing a range hood

Installing a kitchen range hood can be intimidating, and many people make mistakes. Here are some of the most common blunders when installing a kitchen range hood.

1. Duct Size and type

Connecting a range hood to a smaller duct than specified will result in performance loss and overheating issues, potentially leading to mechanical failure.

Furthermore, because of the ridged walls of flexible ducting, high-performance range hoods require rigid ducting. The airflow in flexible ducting is randomized rather than smooth, resulting in decreased performance and increased noise. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended duct size and type when installing a range hood.

2. Improper Support

Attaching a range hood to sheetrock alone is one of the most dangerous problems with range hood installation. Any range hood, regardless of weight, should be attached to structural beams or joists to provide proper long-term support. If the intended range hood location lacks a beam or joist, a cross-brace made of 24 s, 3/4-inch plywood, or another strong material is an acceptable substitute.

If a range hood is attached to the sheetrock, it may appear stable initially, but the sheetrock anchors will loosen as they are used. Therefore, ensure that your installer installs the range hood correctly.

3. Ductless and recirculation installation

Though a range hood is recommended to be connected to an outside duct, this is not always possible. Many condominiums forbid any modifications to the building’s exterior walls. in this case, one would need to install a ductless range hood, also known as a recirculating range hood.

The hood uses charcoal filters to absorb odors before returning the cleaner air back into the room. Activated charcoal is a type of carbon specifically made to increase its porousness and thus maximize its surface area.

Image of a kitchen with wooden shelves and countertop, and a range hood over an oven. Source: max vakhtbovych, pexels
Image of a kitchen with wooden shelves, a countertop, and a range hood over an oven.
Source: Max Vakhtbovych, Pexels

4. Inpropper exhuat location

One of the most common errors in range hood installation is terminating the unit in an enclosed space, such as the attic or basement. Not only might the back-pressure cause the hood to malfunction, but warm, moist air from the kitchen into the attic space might cause a serious mold growth problem.

If you want to know more reasons why terminating your ehaust into an atic us a terribel idea, check out our post on why you shoudl never exhaust yoru rnage hood into an attic.

5. Using the wong duct cap

Outside ducts that exit through a side wall should be terminated with a duct cap, whereas roof-mounted ducts are sometimes terminated with a “U” shaped elbow, which allows air to exit while keeping rain and snow out. Make sure the cap is the same size and diameter as the duct; using a small cap will cause airflow and static pressure issues.

Regardless of the type of termination, a damper (also known as a backdraft and airflow controller) must be installed at the duct’s end. The damper prevents outside air from flowing back into the duct.

6. Impropper wiring

An electrical connection is a common error in appliance installation. The general rule is that if an appliance has exposed wires, it must be hardwired; if it has a plug, it must be plugged in. Following this rule will help you avoid manufacturer warranty problems and potential inspection issues.

7. Installation height

Range hoods are typically installed 28-to-36-inches above the cooktop. However, Several factors influence how high a range hood should be installed above the cooking surface. Because cooking-polluted air does not rise in a perfectly straight line but spreads out, it’s a good idea to position the range hood low enough to capture the smoke and steam.

It’s also a good idea to place the range hood at a height where the lights are below eye level, which keeps the control panel within easy reach. Consult the range hood manufacturer’s recommendations.

Should you install your range hood yourself or hire a contractor?

We recommend contacting and hiring a local contractor to install your hood. It makes things much easier and will ensure you do things right first.

If you want more tips and insights, watch this video called “Range Hood Duct Installation Issues, Troubleshooting and Problem Solving” from the Victory Range Hoods Youtube Channel.

A video called “Range Hood Duct Installation issues, Troubleshooting, and Problem Solving” from Victory Range Hoods Youtube Channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about range hood installation mistakes.

What if the range hood is set too high?

The fumes will not be extracted if the range hood is mounted too high above the recommended height. Unfortunately, that means more frequent cleaning of the range hood, cooktop, countertops, and cabinets. In other words, your range hood will not function properly.

How do you install a rangehood?

A lot goes into installing a range hood; here’s a quick rundown. First, measure the area in which it will be placed. You must then select the best type of range hood for your kitchen and, of course, the correct size. Finally, you’ll need to purchase or rent the necessary installation hardware and locate an installation professional to assist you in putting everything together.

Is the range hood supposed to be the same width as the range?

Calculate the width of the space above the range or cooktop. For example, range hoods are frequently available in 24-hour models “with widths of 30″ or 36”. The hood should be at least as wide as the cooking surface, if not wider “wider.

Is it possible for your range hood to be smaller than your cooktop?

It is, in fact, true. If the range hood is too small, it will not function properly. It will run too long and do half the work of a larger range hood, clearing your kitchen half the time.

Is it necessary for a range hood to reach the ceiling?

The duct must pass through or behind the cabinets to an outer wall when a vented hood is installed beneath a cabinet or against a wall. The duct for a ceiling-mounted or island range hood must run above the ceiling.

Conclusion

As you have seen, there are a ton of common range hood installation errors. To avoid this, read our blog and educate yourself on making your kitchen a safe place for the entire family. If you are unfamiliar with how these installations should be performed, consider hiring a professional.

This article covered the most common range hood installation mistakes and tips for avoiding them. Here are some key takeaways:

Key takeaways

  • A range a hood is a kitchen appliance that aids in the reduction of smoke, dust, and grease produced by cooking.
  • You must then select the best type of range hood for your kitchen.
  • Attaching the range hood to sheetrock is not advised.
  • Choose the right ductwork for your hood.
  • We recommend contacting and hiring a local contractor to install your hood.

So, are you ready to have your range hood installed? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? And what do you think of my list? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks in your kitchen. Thanks for reading, and stay safe.

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Written by Roger Harris, Staff Writer

Hey there! My name is Roger, and I've been selling range hoods for over six years. I now run this blog all about range hoods and kitchen ventilation! If you're looking for a new range hood for your kitchen, this is the place for you.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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