How to Install a Kitchen Range Hood

Range Hood Installation Tips

✓ Safety first: Always switch the circuit breaker to the "OFF" position before beginning. This eliminates the danger of live wires and reduces the risk of electrical shock or fire.

✓ New installations: If this is your first time putting in a range hood, you will need an oscillating tool to cut a 6-inch (15 cm) vent opening through both the interior wall and the exterior surface of your home.

✓ Mounting: Secure the new ducted or ductless hood to the wall or underside of the cabinet using screws. Match each wire by color before restoring power.

Turn the correct breaker to the "OFF" position before touching any wiring. Head to your home's electrical panel — typically a gray metal box found in the basement, garage, utility closet, or hallway. Locate the switch labeled "KITCHEN" or "RANGE HOOD" and flip it off to cut power safely.

• Older homes may use a fuse box instead. In that case, pull the fuse block out and reinsert it with the "OFF" side facing up.
• If your range hood is a ductless plug-in model, simply unplug it from the outlet and move on to the next step.

Disconnect the wire nuts and detach all wiring from the existing unit. If you already have a range hood in place, use a screwdriver to loosen the mounting screws. Have a helper support the hood while you work. Carefully lift the unit off the screws, set it down, and then remove the loosened hardware. A pair of pliers will help you pull the wire fitting free from the hood body.

• No existing hood? Skip this step entirely and proceed to marking your vent holes.

Rely on the paper template or a tape measure to plot your vent openings. Most new range hoods include a paper template that shows exactly where to position the vent. If yours did not come with one, grab a tape measure and record the dimensions of both the hood and the wall. Center the template or your measurements on the wall and mark the spots with a pencil or tape.

• Mount the hood at least 26 inches (66 cm) to 36 inches (91 cm) above the cooktop to ensure proper ventilation of smoke and grease.
• Choose a range hood with a suitable CFM rating — this measures the volume of air it moves per minute. Multiply your kitchen's square footage by 2 to find the recommended CFM. Around 250 CFM works for most standard kitchens, while 400 CFM is better for heavier cooking.
• If you are simply replacing your hood and the ductwork is already in place, or if you are setting up a ductless model, skip ahead to Step 9.

Carve out the template shape using an oscillating tool. Begin with a small pilot hole to confirm that no plumbing or electrical lines are hidden behind the wall. If the area is clear, enlarge the opening with an oscillating tool or reciprocating saw. Then use a long drill bit to bore locator holes along the edges of the vent outline — these will help you find the exact position on the exterior side of the wall.

• If pipes obstruct the vent path, reroute or re-solder them to keep the opening free. Nail 1×3 cleats at the top and bottom of the wall to support a new wall patch.
• Alternatively, you can install, tape, and mud a wall patch over the hole. Once the compound dries, use your template to re-mark and cut through the patch.

Connect the locator holes on the outside wall and cut. Head outside and find the locator holes you drilled from the interior. Use a pencil to draw a circle that links all four holes together. Then cut out the circle with an oscillating tool or reciprocating saw to create the exterior vent opening.

• For paneled or uneven exterior surfaces, lay a piece of PVC trim flat against the wall first to give yourself a smooth, consistent cutting surface.

Slide the vent cap into the exterior opening and secure it. The cap should be long enough to reach the range hood connection on the inside. Fasten it with four screws, then run a thin bead of caulk along all edges to create a waterproof seal.

• Always route the exhaust through the duct to the outside of the home — never into the walls or attic. Trapping fumes and moisture internally leads to mold growth and lingering odors.

Hold the damper against the interior hole to gauge the duct dimensions. Many vent hoods include a built-in damper inside the ductwork. Its job is to block debris and small animals from entering through the exterior hole. The damper swings open when the hood is running and closes automatically when you turn it off.

• Once you have verified the measurements, mark the exterior edge of the damper so you know where to apply duct tape or foil tape for a snug connection.

Guide the wiring from the hood to the electrical junction box. Position the new range hood roughly where it will be mounted and route the wire from the hood to the box. If needed, drill small holes on either side of the vent to give the cable a clear path. It helps to have someone hold the hood steady while you thread the wire.

• If the existing wires are too short or you feel uncertain about the electrical work, call a licensed electrician. Incorrect wiring can cause serious damage to your home.

Position the hood where it will hang and mark the four corner holes. With a helper holding the range hood in its final location, use a pencil to mark each mounting point. Take the hood down, then drill pilot holes at each mark with an electric drill.

• For a wall-mounted installation using brackets, drive the screws completely into the wall. For a cabinet-mounted setup, drive screws halfway in so the hood can slide over them and rest securely on top.

Slide the hood into position and gradually tighten every screw. Use an electric drill or a manual screwdriver to snug up each screw, but avoid fully tightening them right away. Place a level on the underside of the hood to make sure it sits evenly. Once it is perfectly level, go back and tighten each screw firmly against the wall or cabinetry.

Match and join each wire by its color. Pull the cable from inside the wall through the cable entry hole in the hood. The fan motor and light fixture each have a black and a white wire. Join the two black wires from the hood to the single black wire coming from the wall. Do the same with the white wires. Finally, attach the green ground wire from the wall to the grounding screw inside the range hood.

• If you are installing a ductless range hood, all you need to do is plug it into a nearby outlet — no wire connections required.
• Use a wire stripper to peel back the insulation if the wire ends are not already exposed, then twist and cap each connection with a wire nut.

Recommended Product

Upgrade Your Kitchen Ventilation

Pair your new range hood with a high-performance remote blower unit for quieter operation and stronger airflow. The Bosch DHR1FZUC is designed for seamless integration with compatible Bosch hoods.