Getting your new range hood up and running
Once you've selected your CopperSmith range hood and fully customized it, we're hard at work crafting your new kitchen centerpiece.
The only thing left to do is arrange installation. World CopperSmith range hoods should always be installed by an HVAC & electrician-licensed professional; this isn't as simple as assembling a shelf.
Thankfully, a pro with the proper training and equipment won't take long to install a range hood.
In this blog, you'll learn what to expect when the day comes to put your new range hood where it belongs.
The steps - installing a range hood
The decisions you've already made, wall-mount vs. island, ducted vs. ductless, will determine the installation process on the day - you'll communicate these specifics to the professional beforehand.
World CopperSmith's installation guides provide detailed manufacturer's instructions. Make sure your pro has a copy, as this will help them install your range hood quickly and accurately.
Commonalities in installation
No matter your customizations, most range hoods will share a few steps.
- preparing the wall or ceiling - this means locating studs or trusses that will support the vent hood and creating a vent hole large enough. Remember, this spot should be directly above your cooking surface.
- fastening the hood - with a few well-placed screws, your new range hood will be steadily affixed to the wall, ceiling, or under-cabinet.
- wiring and ventilation - all range hoods will need a licensed electrician to wire the range hood fans. Ventilation will depend on whether your hood is ducted or ductless.
Now let's establish the differences in installation.
Wall-mounted vs. island
The difference between wall-mounted and island range hood installation is straightforward.
On a wall, your pro will locate wall studs or add support if studs are not present. They will prepare the range hood by pre-drilling the left and right side flanges, position the range hood, and then screw it into place.
For an island range hood, they will locate floor joists or ceiling trusses to provide support (a la wall studs), then align the hood's U-channel with these supports, and then screw into place.
Ducted vs. ductless
For a ductless range hood, this step is very simple. Once the hood is in place, electrical wiring for the insert fan must be connected and the filter must be installed. Then you're done!
For a ducted range hood, however, things will be a little more complicated.
First, the pro will evaluate the ducting route, avoiding electrical lines and other ductwork. Then they will install the ducting, leading to a duct cap or roof cap depending on the terminus. This will involve work on the outside of your home, as range exhaust can under no circumstances be vented to an attic or crawlspace.
They will connect this ductwork to your vented range hood with a duct connector, then install the insert fan as before. Voila!
How much does it cost to install a new range hood?
The price will vary depending on your area and the nature of your range hood (ductless range hoods will cost less to install, etc.) Most installations fall between $200 and $600.
The preparation
Before the range hood is installed, there are a few things that you or your installer will need to do. First of all, you need to make sure there is nothing obstructing the area where it will go, such as shelves or cabinets. This allows for proper ventilation and prevents any fire hazards. You will also need to switch off the power supply to the range hood to avoid any electrical accidents during the installation process.
Consider the ventilation
For your range hood from CopperSmith to work effectively, you need to make sure there is adequate ventilation. They can be vented either through the ceiling or the wall, depending on how your kitchen is set out. If you have it vented through the wall, you will need ductwork to take the contaminants outside. If it is going through the ceiling, you need to make sure there is enough clearance to accommodate the ductwork.
How to Choose a Professional to Install Your New Range Hood
Once you have invested in a new range hood from CopperSmith, you are going to want to make sure that whoever is installing it knows exactly what they are doing to avoid damage to your new hood and your kitchen. This is why it is important to get the professionals in and not try and do it yourself. Here are some tips to help you find the right person to install your new range hood:
Experience and qualifications
Make sure that the professionals you get in to install your new range hood have the appropriate experience and qualifications to do it. Look for someone who is insured and licensed and who specializes in the installation of kitchen appliances.
Do your research and ask for recommendations.
There is nothing quite like word-of-mouth recommendations to find a trustworthy and reputable professional with a proven track record of quality work. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors who have range hoods installed who they used, and if they recommend them. If they sound good and did a good job on theirs, get in touch and get a quote! If you don't know anyone who has had this sort of work done, get online and do your research. Look for reviews on social media and Google.
Get a range of quotes.
Don't just go with the first professionals you find. Ask for detailed cost estimates from a few different range hood installers - at least three - and compare the prices and what is covered in that price. Make sure you are clear about what you need them to do, such as the electrical work, venting, and modifications to the ductwork.
Make sure they are aware of any codes and permits.
Do your research beforehand to see if any permits or licenses are needed for the installation of your range hood, and if there are, make sure that the professional you are thinking about hiring is aware of these. A good installer will get any required permits on your behalf and will be able to comply with all the necessary safety standards.
Timelines and communication
You want to know when and how long it will take to install your range hood, so make sure that you discuss the timeline of the project with the professionals and ensure they can fit in with your schedules. Being able to communicate with them clearly is vital, so make sure that you ask any questions and clear up any doubts that you may have about the installation process.
Preparation and clean up
Different installers will have different expectations and guidelines when it comes to the preparation and clean up of the area. Some will expect you to do it all, others will include this as part of the service, so check with them. This includes things like removing the old range hood and making sure the appropriate ventilation and electrical connections are there. You also want to check about the cleaning up afterward - will your kitchen be left clean and tidy after as part of the installation, or is this something you are expected to do? Knowing this in advance allows you to be prepared.
Can I replace a range hood myself?
No. Electrical wiring and ductwork are too important to do without proper training. It's a job for a pro.
Are range hoods hardwired or plug-in?
World CopperSmith's range hoods are hardwired, so once it's installed by an electrician, you don't have to worry about plugs.
How long does it take to install a range hood?
Most installations take only a couple of hours. With a lot of ductwork, this can take longer.
At what height should a range hood be installed?
Simply put, this article on range hood height will address that.
How do you replace an old range hood?
If you're replacing an existing range hood, communicate this with the installation service. They should be able to remove the old one for you.
Can I use PVC pipe to vent a range hood?
Range hood ducting should always be metal, as plastic may be affected by the heat of the exhaust. So metal piping is ok to use, but plastic PVC should not be used.
What does a ductless range hood do?
If you have a gas range, your stove is releasing harmful gases that will impact your respiratory health in the long-term. A ductless range hood doesn't need to be vented to the outdoors; with a charcoal filter and integrated ventilation system, your kitchen air is thoroughly cleaned and returned to your living space.
Find your range hood at World CopperSmith
The range hood of your kitchen decor dreams is closer than you think. Check out our collection to find a range hood you can't wait to install.