To install a range hood vent through the wall, you need to cut a hole for the duct, mount the vent hood, connect the ductwork, and secure the exterior vent cap.
This article details each step, including the tools needed and other tips for a smooth installation process. Following these guidelines will help ensure a secure and effective venting system for your range hood.
| Project difficulty: Expert Estimated time to complete: 4-8 hrs Project cost: around $120 |
Venting a range hood through the wall is just one of the many ways to handle kitchen exhaust. Other options include using a recirculating system or venting the smoke through the ceiling.
Read more: How to Install a Range Hood Vent Through the Ceiling
Mechanical engineer Colin Young emphasizes key steps for a successful range hood vent installation through the wall: “A key step is planning the path the vent will travel and determining if there is any electrical or plumbing in the way. If so, I would defer to a professional. Another is sealing the new vent properly to prevent weather from getting into the home after installation.”
His advice underscores the importance of careful planning and attention to detail when handling this type of installation. He added, “The best way to ensure a proper installation is to review with an inspector for your city. Codes can vary, and an inspector can quickly point out any obvious flaws.”
For a safe installation, make sure to shut off the kitchen’s power at the main source and use safety glasses, a dust protection mask, and a stable ladder. Enlisting a helper for lifting and securing the vent hood is also a good idea.
What You Will Need:
- Drill and drill bit
- Hole saw
- Angle grinder
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Caulk gun and caulk
- Oscillating multi-tool
- Wire stripper
Step 1: Cutting the Interior Vent and Drill Locator Holes
Choose a path for the range hood vent that leads directly to the exterior wall. Then, use a hole saw to cut the interior vent hole. We recommend having a helper use a vacuum to capture dust during the cutting process.
After that, use the drill bit to create a locator hole through the exterior wall. This small hole will be used as a guide to cut a matching hole in the exterior.
Step 2: Cutting a Hole Through the Siding
The next step is to cut a larger hole from the outside of your home. Find the locator hole you made on the exterior wall, and then use a saw to cut through the siding and wall sheathing to complete the vent hole.
Step 3: Installing the Range Hood Vent Cap
Attach the vent cap into the wall using screws. Ensure the vent cap fits securely to the vent hole by sealing the edges with caulk. If you have clapboard siding, you will need to make a mounting block using PVC or wood to create a flat surface for better adhesion. Your mounting block will need a matching hole in the center for air to flow.
Hold the mounting block against the siding and trace its outline using a pencil. After tracing, use an angle grinder to remove all siding inside the outline. Once completed, put the exterior hood into the mounting block, ensuring a flat surface for mounting. Apply caulk, secure the block with screws, and firmly attach it against the wall.
Step 4: Attaching the Ductwork
After placing the mounting block, you can now connect the indoor ducting and exterior vent. Use foil tape to connect the duct elbow to the vent cap to make sure that the angle aligns with the hole that was previously drilled.
From the outside, insert the vent cap into the opening and fasten it to the mounting plate using the provided screws. Inside your kitchen, fit another duct elbow to the hole right into the vent cap elbow, then seal the connection with duct tape. If there isn’t enough ducting to reach your range hood, you can attach duct extensions to bridge the gap.
Step 5: Installing the Vent Hood
When you put the vent hood in its location, have someone assist with lifting and positioning the hood in its proper location. Attach the mounting brackets against the wall using the screws provided.
Then, slide the vent hood into the brackets and secure it with screws. After that, connect the electrical wiring for your home’s electrical outlet to the range hood. End the installation by mounting the vertical cover to hide the ductwork.
Installing a range hood vent through the wall is just one part of the whole range hood installation process. Read our step-by-step guide on how to install a range hood to ensure a secure and efficient setup.
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Main Image Credit: Ivanna / Adobe Stock / License
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