So you want to install a new range hood in your kitchen but aren’t sure how?

You’ve arrived to the correct location. In this article, we’ll go through how to install a range hood beneath a cabinet step by step.

Before You Begin

Under-cabinet range hoods are classified as either ducted or ductless.

The installation process will differ based on the kind of range hood you are installing. Ductless range hoods are often simpler, since installing range hood ducts might add many more stages to the total procedure. However, if you are replacing an existing ducted range hood with a new one, the ducting may already be in place.

Whatever kind of range hood you choose, it is critical to follow the installation instructions for that particular product. This article will teach you the fundamentals of installing an under-cabinet range hood, but it will not cover all of the many models and specs.

Tools You’ll Need

Youll likely have most of these already:

• Non-contact circuit tester
• Level
• Power drill with screw tip
• Drill bits
• Wire nuts
• Wire stripper
• Screwdriver
• Duct tape

To make the job simpler, gather all of your tools before you begin.

How to Install Range Hood Under The Cabinet

Step 1: Turn off Power Supply

Turn off the circuit breaker for the area you’ll be working on and keep it off for the duration of the installation. Because you will be dealing with wires and circuits, you must safeguard your safety by turning off the power supply. Before you begin working, use your circuit tester to check the wires.

The next four stages are only applicable to ducted range hoods. Skip to Step 6 if you’re installing a ductless range hood.

Step 2: Remove Old Range Hood

If you are replacing an existing range hood, you must first remove it. To disconnect the cables, unscrew the wire nuts. As you release the screws that keep the range in place, have someone steady it. Remove the screws before removing the old range hood.

Step 3: Check Existing Ductwork

If you’re connecting a ducted range hood to existing ducting, check sure the new range hood is compatible with the old ductwork. Most under-cabinet range hoods employ ducting that runs upward through the cabinets before exiting through the wall, but others do not. Know what sort of ducting you have ahead of time and ensure that your new range hood can connect to it.

Step 4: Drill a Vent Hole

If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to make a hole in the wall (and potentially the cabinets) to allow the ducting to pass through. The exact location and method of cutting the hole will depend on the kind of range hood you’re installing. The new hood should come with instructions and potentially a template to help you choose where to drill your holes.

Determine the middle of the wall area using a level and mark it with a pencil. Place the template over the cutout area and begin drilling. You may also drill the holes for the electrical wire at this stage, unless you want to employ an electrician to handle all of the wiring.

Once you’ve completed drilling or cutting the vent hole, look behind the walls for any pipes or studs. Any impediments in this area must be redirected, and depending on your skill level and confidence, you may want to engage a general contractor to handle that aspect of the installation.

Install the ductwork in the most efficient and direct path that goes outdoors once all obstructions have been removed. Duct tape should be used to seal off joints.

Step 5: Mount Range Hood to Wall

You are now ready to attach the hood. Most hoods will also provide a template for this. Mark the locations for the mounting screws using the template.

If you’re attaching to a tiled wall, you may want to drill several tiny holes beforehand to prevent breaking the tile.

If you’re attaching the range hood to the cabinets, be sure they’re solid enough to prevent the screws from coming out after the hood is in place. If your cabinets are thin, you may wish to reinforce them using reinforcing blocks.

Drill holes for the screws using the appropriate size drill bit. Then, using the screw tip as a replacement for the drill bit, drill the screws in.

Check the alignment with the vent hole after the screws are in place. Realign as needed.

Install the hood and connect the cables. There will be cables in the wall to power the hood’s fan and light, as well as a grounding wire that connects to the hood’s grounding screw. Connecting the wires is simple: attach the black wires from the hood to the black wires in the wall, then repeat with the white wires. If you are unsure about performing electrical work, you may hire an electrician to do it for you.

Step 6 (For Ductless Hood): Find Center of the Wall

Using a ductless hood will make installing an under-cabinet range hood much simpler. If you’re installing a ductless range hood, use a level to determine and mark the center of the wall area. Mark the screw holes using the given template. If there is no template, have someone hold the range hood in place while you mark the holes, then put it aside.

Step 7: Mount The Range Hood

Drill holes for the screws and cables using an adequately sized drill bit. If you’re mounting to thin cabinets, use strengthening blocks for the screws, and be careful not to harm tiles if you’re installing to a tiled wall.

Install the range hood using the mounting screws and pass the wire through the hood’s rear. Connect the wires to the hood’s wiring using wire nuts, matching them up by color, then connect the grounding wire to the hood’s grounding screw. If you are not comfortable with electrical work, get it done by an electrician.

Conclusion

That’s all there is to it! Remember to stick to the directions that came with the range hood, and you should be OK. Enjoy your new range hood, which has been safely placed under your kitchen cabinets.