How to Properly Vent a Kitchen Range Exhaust Hood

Exhaust hoods are the perfect solution to remove fumes, smoke, and grease from your range. Some hoods are non-ventilated but many models still require ventilation. When you have the need to ventilate your range hood following the instructions below, you will have no problem getting your exhaust out of your home and ventilated to the outside. This project is for an immediate to advanced DIYer.

Step 1 - Ventilate Exits

When venting your exhaust hood, you have choices. You can choose a ceiling or a wall installation to exhaust the smoke and smells from your home. Many times your choice depends on where your range is located.

If it sits on an inside wall, venting through the attic and out is a better option, but if it is on an outside wall, it is more practical to vent through the wall. In either case, do not vent into the wall or the attic. The duct for your exhaust fan needs to be run to the outside of the house to remove the chance of a fire hazard.

Step 2 - Run the Ducts

Your vent hood will have places available for either attic or wall exhaust. Cover the hole that you are not using for exhaust and secure the hood to its final positioning to mark the location of the vent duct.

Once you have it marked, remove the hood and cut a hole in the wall or ceiling. Use a drill to make guide holes and then use a saw in order to complete the circle. Be neat and you will be more satisfied with the end result. Go into the attic if you chose a ceiling exit and run the duct from the hole to an external wall or your roof.

For a ceiling exit, mark where you are going to cut the second hole for exiting from the house. Use stiff or flex ducting depending on your needs. Make sure the duct protrudes a little out both the ceiling and the exit point. If you are running the ductwork through the wall it will require less duct but the process is pretty much the same. Cover the exit with a vent cap/cover and caulk around the edges to help prevent leaks back into your home.

Step 3 - Install the Vent Hood

Connect the vent hood using screws and anchors to ensure a good tight fit. Caulk around the seams between the vent hood and the ceiling. Install the fan, the filter, and the light kit. Hook up all the wiring, following the color coding, black to black, white to white, and green to green (or copper), use wire nuts to cover the loose ends of the wires and secure it under the electrical component cover. With the vent hood hooked up, turn it on and make sure the lights and fan work. Verify there are no leaks in the duct that can cause a fire and also make sure that the exhaust is going out through the exit duct.