How to Install a Range Hood

Mark where the duct needs to pass through, then bore the opening with a hole saw chucked into a cordless drill. Match the hole saw to the diameter of your duct so the fit is snug. Keep steady pressure and let the saw do the work. This interior opening is the first half of the path the duct will follow to the outside.

Carry the same hole straight through the exterior wall and siding. Hold the drill level so the outside opening lines up with the one you cut inside. A wandering angle here means the duct will not seat cleanly, so go slow and check that the pilot bit is tracking true. The siding cuts fast once the saw bites in.

Lap siding is beveled, so the vent cap cannot sit flat against it on its own. Press a mounting block over the opening to give yourself a level, weatherproof surface. Hold it firm against the siding and confirm it covers the hole with room around the edges for fasteners. The block is what keeps the finished cap from rocking or leaking.

Set the exterior vent cap over the block and drive screws through its flange into the wall with a drill. Snug each fastener down evenly so the cap pulls tight against the siding with no gaps. The cap has a flap that swings open when the fan runs and drops shut when it stops, which keeps out rain, drafts, and pests. Seal the perimeter after fastening.

Back indoors, join the metal duct to the wall opening and route it up toward where the hood will hang. Test-fit each section before you commit so you are not fighting a duct that is a hair too long or short. Slide the pieces together fully and make sure the run has no sharp kinks that would choke airflow. A smooth path moves air far better than a crimped one.

Lift the hood onto its mounting brackets, then drive screws to lock it to the wall or the cabinet framing. Check that it sits level before you sink every fastener, since a crooked hood is obvious once the stove is back in place. Hold it steady while the screws bite so it does not shift on you. Give it a light tug to confirm it is solid.

Wrap foil tape around every duct joint and press it flat so it grips the metal. This locks the seams and stops conditioned air, moisture, and greasy exhaust from leaking into the wall cavity. Skip the cloth duct tape here. Its adhesive dries out and peels, while foil tape is rated to stay put on ductwork for the long haul.

Match the house wires to the hood leads, black to black and white to white, then twist a wire connector onto each pair until it is tight. Give every connection a gentle pull to be sure nothing slips out. Tuck the wires neatly into the junction box so nothing gets pinched. Add the trim piece over the duct once the power is on and the hood is complete.

Flip on the light and the fan to test your work. The hood sits level over the stove, the duct is sealed, and the wiring is done. From here it pulls steam and smoke straight outside every time you cook. Give the stainless a quick wipe and step back. That is a full range hood install, vent to wiring, handled start to finish.