Q&A for How to Install a Range Hood

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How far from the stove top should I install the range hood?

Community Answer

The range hood should be installed 24 to 30 inches above the stove top. Anything lower can block the use or view of large pots, and anything higher won't allow the hood to work at all.

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Question

My vent hood said it could be vented or ventless. It was installed vented, but I feel air being discharged from the grill on the hood. Is it possible the installer left off a part that blocks this grill in a vented installation, or is it normal for air to come out there?

Community Answer

It's a certainty that he didn't block off the ventless grill as instructed by the manufacturer. If the parts are gone, then aluminum tape is the only thing that can be used to seal the path to the front grill. He'll need to get tape on both sides so the tape adhesive doesn't attract and hold dust and debris.

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Question

Can I use PVC pipe for the air ducting?

Community Answer

No, it's not fire containing and will melt readily so it is not recommended to use for this.

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Question

Can I replace my old style range hood fan with a new modern chimney type and get rid of the cupboards above it?

Upnorth Here

Top Answerer

Yes, that is a popular upgrade for an older kitchen. Your chimney hood would likely need an inline or remote fan, as the hood may be designed to be sleek and not have room for an internal fan. Also, remote fans are much quieter.

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Question

The vent coming out of the house is 7" round, the vent on hood is 6" round. What needs to be done?

Community Answer

You need a 7" reducer (down to 6"), which you can pick up for around $5; it looks like a funnel with most of the funnel cut off. Home improvement stores have them, or you can get one from your HVAC contractor and even have them install it (for a pretty penny).

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Question

If the hood does not have a plug, can I attach one to the white and black wires and just plug it in?

Community Answer

You can, but this is not recommended as it is a safety risk.

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Question

I would like to replace my electric stove with a gas. Is there a difference in what type of hood fan I need for the gas range?

Community Answer

To my understanding, the hood fan just needs to be installed higher above the gas range as the gas ranges tend to get hotter than electric ranges.

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Question

My range hood can be for either vented or non-vented use. We have the vent, but the non-vented airflow is what is happening. How do I bypass to the vented option?

Community Answer

Follow the manufacturer's instructions. There's usually a sheet/plate that must be removed or placed elsewhere in order to change to vented.

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Question

Does the fan continue to rotate even when turned off?

Community Answer

No, if the fan is turned off, it should not continue to rotate.

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Question

Can I install a non-vented range hood where previously there was a vented one?

Community Answer

Yes, venting is only required for commercial establishments. However, you may want to insulate the old hole shut, so you don't get outdoor temperatures inside.

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Question

Is a horizontal run okay for a range hood?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. It's better than a vertical run if installed with a slope down to the outdoors. This way, the pipe can be de-greased periodically, and condensation from outdoor conditions can't enter the building at all.

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Question

Does the charcoal go up or down on the filter?

Community Answer

The charcoal goes up so the mesh can catch any grease and debris.

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Question

I want to replace my 40 year old hood range, but the electrical outlet is on the left side. Where can I find a hood range that has the electrical outlet on the left side?

Community Answer

Buy a new hood and see if its wires are long enough to mount to either side. If not, it's not a big deal. Just use short bridge/pigtail/patch pieces of wire to wire over to the hood's wires. For easy cleaning, cover any wires with at least two layers of aluminum tape.

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Question

Where should a damper be applied?

Jensen Lin

Community Answer

The damper should be applied to the top of the range hood, where the air exits.

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