How to Install a Ductless Range Hood in a Kitchen (10 Steps)

Installing a vented cooker hood can be daunting. Check out this guide to learn how to install your new ventilated kitchen vent hood with little effort.

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If you want to install or replace your kitchen’s ductless range hood but don’t know where to begin, this article will provide you with the information you need to get this DIY job done.

In this post, you will learn whether you can install a ductless range hood, how to install a ductless range hood, and when to call a professional to have the best air quality at home.

Can I install a ductless range hood myself?

Yes! A DIY range hood installation saves money over hiring a professional. The typical homeowner may easily install a hood. If you’re handy around the home and can do tasks like installing or repairing things, mounting your range hood shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Contact a contractor or installation expert for assistance if you believe you need it.

Image of a man with dark blue shirt installing a ductless range hood. Source: adobe stock
Image of a man with dark blue shirt installing a ductless range hood. Source: adobe stock
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My favorite range hood (at the moment):

COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood

How to install a ductless range hood in a kitchen (10 steps) | 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!

How to install a ductless range hood?

If you are ready to install your new ductless kitchen range hood, below are all the steps required for this task, along with some materials, supplies, and special tips to get you going in the right direction.

Installation time 1 hour and 30 minutes

  1. Plug it in & verify the operation

    Unbox their range hood, set it up on a tabletop, and plug it in before attempting to install it in their kitchen. Then, verify that the switches for the lights and fans are operational.

    Check for any missing pieces. Before you take the time and effort to install anything, you should check it thoroughly for problems and missing pieces.

    Remove any transparent tape or packing off the range hood while you’re at it. People sometimes attribute a bluish hue to LED lights when, in fact, it is only blue packaging tape covering them.

  2. Take down the old hood

    Take off the old range hood if you already have one. Once the range hood is unplugged, you may unscrew the wire nuts and remove the cables. Next, assist you in loosening the range hood’s mounting screws by having a second person hold the heavy appliance while you work with a screwdriver.

    Then, remove the old range hood from the screws and lay it aside with care. The old range hood should be moved outdoors, to a shed, or to the garage, so it is out of the way.

  3. Prep hood for ductless install

    For a ductless range hood to function properly, you may need to adjust depending on the model. For example, the vent holes in the range hood may need to be covered by caps or covers on certain models. However, this is not always the case. The cover may need to be removed to turn the front vent of a different brand into a ductless model.

    For the recirculated air to be released into the kitchen, a vent must be installed at the front of the hood (rather than going into the wall). Also, your range hood may have a switch that needs to be flipped to turn on the recirculation feature. To find out how to convert your range hood to a ductless setup, check the handbook.

  4. Dry fit the hood

    Dry fitting a ductless range hood is a process that may be started after you’ve confirmed the hood’s placement. You may check its straightness with a level by holding the range hood beneath the cabinet. Get a tape measure and ensure the bottom of the range hood is 24″ to 36″ above the range or cooktop to get the best suction and air quality in your home.

    Using a cabinet jack or vehicle jack throughout the installation may be useful. The jack must be centered below the cabinet, so first, lay a flat piece of wood or metal over the top of the stove. You may use boxes or other objects around the house if you don’t have a jack or get a friend to assist you.

  5. Mark the screw holes

    Make a pencil note of the screw holes after they have been dry-fitted and held in place.

  6. Drill pilot holes & install anchors (or brackets)

    The installation process may require pilot holes or mounting brackets in the cabinet’s base. Pre-drilled holes, known as “pilot holes,” simplify the assembly process. When you’ve drilled the pilot holes, you may now install the plastic anchors that came with your range hood.

    In the box with your range hood, there may also be a paper template for marking where the screw holes or brackets go. Remember that the big, central 4–8 inch hole is reserved for vented range hoods and should not be cut.

  7. Pull the power cord or wiring through the cabinet

    After you have dry-fitted the range hood, marked the screw holes, and put the plastic anchors or brackets in place, pull the power line or electrical wiring (for hardwired hoods) through the cabinet.

    The wire may need to be pulled through the wall or through a cabinet’s hole. A hole may be drilled using a 2″ diameter hole drill bit, or you can use a smaller keyhole saw after first drilling a pilot hole.

  8. Fasten the range hood to the cabinet

    The hood should be attached to the cabinet after pulling the plug or wire through. If you’re using a cabinet jack, slowly tighten the jack until the range hood is flush with the cabinet. A jack may make installing a range hood easier, but you may need an extra set of hands (or a jack) to keep the hood steady while you fasten it.

    Four wood screws drilled vertically from the range hood into the bottom of the cabinet are the standard attachment method. Some range hood types need you to secure the screws first, put the range hood into the screws, and then push the range hood to the back (which tightens it). If you use brackets, your range hood should be able to slip right into them.

  9. Plug-in hood or hardwire

    When the range hood is in place, you may connect the power wire to the outlet in the cabinet. If the range hood requires wiring, you should connect the black wire to the black terminal, the white wire to the white terminal, and the green or bare wire to the ground screw using wire nuts.

  10. Install the filters

    Filters are the last step in installing a range hood after wiring and attaching the hood to the cabinet. Ductless systems use activated charcoal-coated range hood filters. These filters cannot be reused or cleaned and must be changed at regular intervals (at a bare minimum, every six months).

Tools:

  • Drill
  • Drill Bits
  • Wire Stripper
  • Oscillating Tool
  • Pencil
  • Leveler
  • Tape Measure
  • Jack (optional)
Image of a kitchen with cabinets, a table and chairs, a countertop with sink, an induction stove, and a range hood. Source: max vakhtbovych, pexels
Image of a kitchen with cabinets, a table and chairs, a countertop with sink, an induction stove, and a range hood. Source: max vakhtbovych, pexels

When to call a professional?

Even though installing a recirculating ductless range hood is far simpler than installing a ducted hood, the task may seem daunting. Consider hiring an expert installer if this is the case. Read our guide on how to find a contractor to install your vent hood to find a great installer.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Install a Ductless Island Range Hood (how to) – Renee Romeo” from the Renee Romeo YouTube Channel.

A this video called “Install a Ductless Island Range Hood (how to) – Renee Romeo” from the Renee Romeo YouTube Channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about installing a ductless range hood.

What is a range hood?

Most modern kitchens will have a range hood. These fans are mounted above the range or stove and are designed to remove fumes, smoke, odors, and grease from the air.

How much does it cost to install a ductless range hood?

Price is one of the most important things to consider when deciding whether to install the range hood or hire a pro. HomeAdvisor says the average price to have a range hood professionally installed is about $750. This price ranges from $400 to $1,500.

Do range hoods have to be vented outside?

A range hood may either exhaust the stale air outdoors or recycle it back into the room. When using a range hood with a vent, ensure the vent goes outside and not into an attic or crawlspace where mold could grow.

How high should a range hood be?

There is no universally accepted minimum height for a range hood. Therefore, the distance from the floor to the underside of the appliance varies widely. It’s important to note that different items have different recommended installation depths; some may go in at only 20 inches, while others need to be set at 36. The installation manual for the range hood is the best way to figure out the right height to mount the appliance.

Conclusion

After reading through the step-by-step blog, you should have a clear idea of how to install a ductless vent hood. You can always contact a professional if you feel it’s too much for you.

This article covered whether I can install a ductless range hood, how to install one, and when to call a professional. Here are some key takeaways:

Key takeaways

  • Installation of a ductless range hood is similar to that of a conventional range hood.
  • At least once a month, you should clean the filter in your exhaust fan.
  • Your range hood may also come with a paper template so you can know where to mark the screw holes or brackets.
  • The cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating specifies how much air is moved by the fan in one minute.
  • Any usage of a roof vent necessitates its complete and total removal from the structure, not simply the attic.
  • Before continuing with the installation, check the new hood for any signs of damage upon packaging and ensure it is plugged in and functioning properly.
  • With the help of the electrical circuit tester, you can make sure that everything is connected properly. The correct breaker has been found if this occurs.

So, do you prefer a ductless range hood in your home? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? 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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Image Of Roger Harris
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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