By eschewing the additional ductwork needed for a ducted range hood, a ductless hood is much easier (and cheaper) to install.
For full step-by-step instructions, go here, but in this blog, you'll get an impression of what this process has in store for you.
DIY Recommendations For A Ductless Range Hood Installation
You may be considering installing your ductless range hood without any additional help or advice. While this can be a complex task, there are steps that you can take here if this is your plan.
Plug It In
Before you even think about completing work to install your ductless range hood, you should make sure that it is working effectively and fully functional. To do this, you need to take it out of the box and plug it into the mains. This will save you from the stress of completing the work, only to discover that you require a replacement.
Remove Packaging Material
Next, you should make sure that you are removing any packaging material from your ductless hood. This can often be easy to miss so it’s important to check it carefully. If you leave on any packaging material, then it is another issue that can eventually become a fire hazard.
Lining Up
First, you need to ensure that you are installing your ductless range hood in the right place. To do this, you should draw a line where you are going to position the hood.. The line should be in the center of where the range hood will be installed, perfectly centered over the hob.
Once you have done this, you should draw a horizontal line to form a cross. The level of your hub is important. If it is too low then the range hood will be a fire hazard and if it is too high then it will not work effectively.
Place The Mounting Bracket On The Wall
Once you have found the right position, you can place the mounting bracket on the wall. This should be roughly one inch from the ceiling or the upper limit and needs to align the center notch with the vertical line that you have added to your wall.
You can then mount the hood using the mounting halls and the drywall anchors. This should be about 11 inches higher than the horizontal line that you have added to your wall. Remember, these need to be parallel as it’s important to ensure that your ductless range is straight.
While the process will be different depending on whether you are using an island hood, under-cabinet hood, or wall-mount hood, it must always be in a central position above your stove. If you fail to get the position right then it is not going to work effectively.
Electrical Wiring
The range hood will require an electrical outlet that is specifically for its use. If your kitchen does not have one of these readily available, then you will always need the support of a professional electrician. They will be able to rewire your kitchen for your ductless range hood. Issues with wiring is another common reason why people create an electrical hazard in their kitchen during DIY projects. As such. It’s always best to ensure that you trust an expert to complete this step for you.
At the very least, you should get an electrician to check your work once you have completed the installation. It’s important to ensure that the work has been completed in line with your local building codes and requirements.
Plug In The Range Hood
Once you are happy with the position and it has been fitted correctly, you can then turn on the range hood. Determine whether it is operational. Remember, if you checked it before installation then an issue here will mean that it hasn’t been wired correctly.
Install The Filters
Some range hoods will require you to install charcoal filters to ensure that your hood is going to work correctly. Once you have fastened and installed the range hood to the wall, cabinet, or ceiling, this is the final step. It’s important to note that you will need to make sure that you buy filters that fit your range hood with a layer of activated charcoal. This layer is designed to catch the smoke and the particulates that are created during the cooking process. While these filters are not reusable or washable, they will typically need to be replaced every so often. On average, you should aim to replace your filters at least every six months to avoid issues.
As mentioned, a ductless range hood is far easier to install than one that requires ducts. However, it is still far more complicated than the typical DIY project. At the very least, it’s a two-person job and you will need support from someone else in your home.
How do you install a ductless range hood?
The process to install recirculating range hood models begins with the hood's placement. Whether an island hood, wall-mount hood, or under-cabinet ductless range hood, your hood must be located directly above your stove.
Ductless installation, as with all range hood installations, will involve the creation of an adequately sized hole in your wall or ceiling.
The professional installing your hood will use a tape measure and stud finder to ensure that your hood's placement is secure and avoids any insulated wire, electrical box, or other hazards.
With screw holes created, your new range hood chimney bracket can be affixed with the provided mounting screws. Then they will hardwire your hood to a power source.
Once this is in place, you're ready to install your ductless insert fan and its charcoal filters and begin protecting the air of your home.
How much does it cost to install a ductless range hood?
Ductless range hood installation costs will vary depending on your area and requirements, but you can expect it to cost between $200 and $600.
How are ductless range hoods powered?
All World CopperSmith range hoods are hardwired, so you'll need to run wiring to the insert fan and make this connection for it to become operational.
Do I need an electrician to fit a cooker hood?
Because of the inherent dangers accompanying electrical work, you should always use a licensed electrician to accomplish the task of wiring.
Where do ductless range hoods vent?
Ductless hoods use heavy-duty charcoal filters to purify all of your kitchen exhaust, protecting your lungs and home from noxious gases and harmful airborne particulates. Once the air is filtered, it is then recirculated into your home, eliminating the need to vent the air all the way outdoors.
Shop Ductless range hoods at World CopperSmith
All of the hoods offered by World CopperSmith, handcrafted at the apex of skill, can be made ductless. Browse our full catalog today and start designing the range hood of your dreams.