How To Install A New Stove Hood

A stove hood is an important part of any kitchen. Not only does it help keep the air quality fresh, but it also traps heat, smoke, and grease that can cause problems with your ventilation system. If you want one, you may also want more of the best kitchen appliances that make your kitchen more functional.

If you’re replacing an old stove hood or installing a new one, here’s what you need to know.

How To Install A New Stove Hood 

Before we get started on the new stove hood installation process, you need to decide whether you want a ductless stove hood vs a ducted stove hood.

Ductless Stove Hood

A ductless stove hood does not vent to the outside. It draws air through a charcoal filter that traps grease and odors. If you are learning how to install a new stove hood, ductless stove hoods are easier since they do not involve cutting holes for ventilation.

Ducted Stove Hood

A ducted stove hood vents grease and odors to the outside via ductwork that goes through your wall or up through the ceiling and out the roof. If you are replacing a ducted stove hood, you simply need to attach the new stove hood vent to the existing ductwork.

But if your current stove hood is not ducted, or if this is a completely new installation, you will need to cut holes for the ductwork.

In this tutorial, we will provide instructions on how to install a new stove hood for both types of vent hoods.

1. Remove The Old Hood

The first step in the “how to install a new stove hood” process is removing the old stove hood. If you are installing a hood where there wasn’t one, you can skip this step.

*Don’t forget to shut off the power to the stove hood circuit before you begin any installation work!

Unscrew any screws holding the old range hood in place and carefully remove the hood from the wall or ceiling. Be careful not to damage the paint or drywall. Unscrew any wire nuts to disconnect the wiring.

If there is ductwork attached to the existing range hood, be sure to disconnect it before removing the old hood completely.

2. Mark Vent Holes (Only For Ducted Hoods) And Wiring Holes

*If you are installing a ductless range hood that already has electrical wiring installed, you can skip this step.

If you want to know how to install a new stove hood that is ducted or are just replacing a ductless hood with a ducted hood, you will need to mark where the holes will go for the vent. Depending on whether or not you already have wiring set up, you may also need to mark a hole for the electrical cable.

Some stove hoods include a paper template for marking vent and wiring holes. Otherwise, you will need to place the new range hood against the wall to mark where you will need to cut the vent and wiring holes for the new hood. You will probably want someone to help you hold the vented range hood while you do this.

It’s important to get these measurements right so that your new range hood will fit properly and exhaust fumes effectively. 

3. Cut Interior Vent Holes (Only For Ducted Hoods) And Wiring Holes

Use a drill to create pilot holes at your marks. Then use a reciprocating saw to cut out the vent and wiring holes where you marked them in Step 2 of “how to install a new stove hood.” 

Remember to carefully plan the exact path of your ductwork to the exterior of your home and ensure that there are no studs, joists, pipes, or other obstacles in the way.

4. Cut Exterior Vent Holes (Only For Ducted Hoods)

Next, use a drill with a long drill bit to create guide holes along the vent hole outline through your home’s exterior wall (or roof). If you have vinyl or wood siding, you can use a reciprocating saw or drill with a hole saw bit to create your vent hole.

If you have a brick exterior, you’ll need a long masonry drill bit for your guide holes. You’ll also need to use a hammer and chisel to remove the brick to create the exterior vent hole.

Again, you can skip this step entirely in the “how to install a new stove hood” guide if you are installing a ductless range hood.

5. Attach The Duct (Only For Ducted Hoods)

Attach the ductwork (if needed). If you’re using ductwork with your new range hood, now is the time to attach it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to attach a duct extension if your ductwork isn’t long enough to reach the exterior.

Depending on where your duct will be venting on the exterior of your home, you will also need to install a vent cap on the exterior wall or roof using screws. Remember to caulk the perimeter of the cap to weatherproof it and prevent pests from entering your home via the vent hood.

6. Mount The Stove Hood

The next step in the “how to install a new stove hood” process is to mount your new range hood in place. Be sure to have someone help you hold the range hood in place while you attach it.

Again, follow your manufacturer’s instructions for doing this range hood installation correctly. It will vary depending on whether you have a vented or non-vented range hood, as well as what type of material your walls or ceiling are made from (drywall vs brick/concrete). 

Be sure to use a level when mounting the new vent hood so that it hangs evenly and looks flush with the surrounding surfaces when you’re finished.

7. Connect Power Wires To The Stove Hood

*Always confirm the power is shut off before beginning any electrical work!

Open the range hood to access the wiring. You may need to remove the fan motor from its housing for this step.

Use a wire stripper to remove an inch of insulation from the power wires and connect them to the appropriate wires on the range hood using wire nuts. Match white to white, black to black, and green to green.

Again, while this is the standard configuration for wiring, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the wiring. There may be additional directions for how to install a new stove hood for specific models.

8. Install Fan Motor And Filter

Reattach the fan motor to its housing and insert the charcoal filter. Again, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions on range hood installation to do this step correctly for your specific range hood model.

9. Turn On The Power And Test The Range Hood

Once everything is installed according to the manufacturer’s range hood installation instructions, turn on the power at the circuit breaker and test the stove hood light.

Then test your new range hood fans by turning them on at their highest setting for two minutes to check for smooth operation. You should also check your exterior wall vent (if you installed one) to verify that the stove hood is venting air correctly.

If everything looks and sounds good–congratulations! You have successfully learned how to install a new stove hood.

If something is not working correctly, shut off the power again and verify everything is connected correctly. If you still can’t determine what the problem is, it may be time to consult with a professional for help.

How To Install A New Stove Hood: Installation Cost

According to HomeAdvisor, a new stove hood installation costs between $400 and $1,550, with an average cost of $750.

However, the type of stove hood–exhaust fan, island-style stove hood, under-cabinet stove hood, wall-mount stove hood, microwave-hood combination–makes a big difference in terms of cost. Low-end range hoods can cost as little as $100, while high-end hoods can easily cost as much as $1,000 or higher.

Generally speaking, most homeowners can expect to spend between $200 and $900 for basic parts and labor for a hardwired installation. However, some high-end models–such as those equipped with sound suppression technology or integrated lighting–may require extra components beyond what standard installations typically demand. 

How To Install A New Stove Hood: Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your stove hood is important for the health of your kitchen. Stove hoods remove smoke, grease, and odors from the air while also providing additional light over your range. Regular maintenance of your stove hood will help keep it working efficiently and prevent the build-up of dangerous deposits in the ventilation system.

To help you keep it running properly, here are some tips on how to maintain a stove hood:

• Clean off grease, food residue, and other debris as soon as they start to accumulate
• Wipe down outside surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent
• Periodically check that the fan blades are turning smoothly and are unclogged
• Clean your exhaust fan filter once a month. Most filters can be cleaned using degreasing dish soap and hot water. Others can be washed in the dishwasher. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to clean your range hood filter
• If replacing a filter, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct size and type

How To Install A New Stove Hood: FAQs

What is a stove hood?

Also known as a range hood, a stove hood is an overhead ventilation unit that removes airborne grease, smoke, and steam while cooking. Ductless range hoods filter air through a charcoal filter before venting back into your home, while ducted stove hoods vent the air to the outdoors.

What’s the correct height for a stove hood?

The correct distance is theoretically 30 inches above the cooking surface, but the recommended distance from the stovetop varies from model to model. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct installation height for your stove hood.

What’s the best size for a stove hood?

To ensure maximum effectiveness, you’ll want to select a hood that’s at least the same size as the cooking surface below it. If possible, aim for even more clearance so that fumes and smoke have a clear path out of your kitchen. 

Design Your Perfect Kitchen With Brucksch & Sons Contracting

Now that you’ve successfully installed a new stove hood, you may be thinking about renovating your entire kitchen. At Brucksch & Sons Contracting, we can help you design and build the perfect kitchen for your needs.

Our team of experts is here to answer any questions you may have. So what are you waiting for? Fill out our contact form today, and let us help you take your kitchen to the next level!