How To: Install a range hood wall vent

Range hoods are a necessity in any kitchen. A properly installed range hood will vent hot air and cooking odors outside as well as help keep kitchen surfaces free of grease. The trickiest part of installing a range hood is determining how to run the ventilation ducts. Depending on the location of your range, you will need to decide if it is easier to vent through an outside wall versus up through the roof. Use this tutorial if you determine that venting through an outside wall is the best route.

Choosing the proper range hood is simple. The CFM rating for your hood (cubic feet per minute, or the amount of air that a fan is capable of moving in a minute) should be approximately equal to twice the square footage of your kitchen. For example, if your kitchen area is 150 square feet, the CFM of your hood should be 300.

The dimensions of the cabinet above your stove will most likely determine the width of your hood. However, if this is not a determining factor, try to get a hood that will extend approximately 3 inches beyond each side of your cook top and 6 inches beyond each side if your cooktop is in an island. For complete, step-by-step instructions for this DIY project, watch this friendly and straightforward video tutorial.