How to Install Under Cabinet Ductless Range Hood | 8 DIY Easy Steps

Range hoods offer a reliable way to cut down on the amount of smoke, steam, and other vapors produced by cooking. A ductless range hood works by pushing contaminated air into a filter made of charcoal to cleanse it. When you install an under cabinet ductless range hood, it recommends first to consult the local building department to determine an appropriate distance to mount from your fans assembly and the stovetop. The space could be between 24- 30 inches in the typical installation. Before starting any electrical work, make sure you shut off the power supply to the proper circuit by turning off the breaker in your home’s service panel (breaker box).

How to install under cabinet ductless range hood

The first step to install under cabinet ductless range hood is to dry-fit the hood. You should mark any places for screws to fasten and ensure that the range hood aligns correctly and level. The ductless range hood must also be 24 inches over the cooktop or the range. After drying the fitting, you’ll have to attach the hood to the cabinet’s bottom by using brackets or screws, based on the brand of manufacture. Following installation, you’ll have to put in a charcoal filter suitable for range hoods with ductless construction.

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Step 1

Before installing a hood for a kitchen, I advise homeowners to take the hood off the box, put it on the countertop and then plug it in. Verify that all lights and fan controls are functioning correctly. Are there any components missing? You should be able to spot any problems or missing parts before the tedious task of installing. This is also the best time to take off any packaging or explicit tape material from your range hood. Many people think that LED lights blueish hue, but it’s blue shipping tape placed over the lights.

Step 2

Most range hoods can transform into a ductless system, and I’m unaware of any range-hoods specifically made to use in recirculating mode. The various range hood brands have specific requirements for ductless range hoods. Certain brands might require you to put covers or caps on the vent holes of the range hood; however, other brands might already have these covered. A different brand might need to take off the cover from the vent in front to create a completely ductless.

The most important thing is to ensure that there’s a vent on the aft of the range hood, which allows the recirculated air to flow out of the cooking area (rather than escaping to the walls). The range hood may have an adjustable knob that has to turn on into recirculation mode. Just read the instruction manual to determine the correct way to set up your range hood in a ductless setup.

Step 3

When you’re sure that the range hood has the correct configuration for ductless, you can now dry-fit the hood. Utilizing a Cabinet Jack and even a car jacks can help in the process of installing. If you’re using the jack, you’ll require an item of wood or something similar to a flat surface over the range and place the jack on top of the cabinet. If you don’t own a jack, getting assistance from a friend can simplify the process. However, you could also make use of boxes and other things around your home.

If you can place the hood for the range beneath your cabinet, you may utilize a level to ensure it’s straight. It is also possible to use a tape measure to ensure that the base of the hood on the range is between 24″ to 36″ above the cooktop or the range to provide the best suction and ensure high ventilation.

Check out: How high should range hood be from the stove

Step 4

After it dries and is securely held in the right place using a pencil, draw the screws’ holes. Based on the manufacturer, the cabinet may come as an element of the installation process to create pilot holes and install brackets attached to the cabinet’s bottom. Pilot holes are drill holes, which make installation much more accessible.

If your range hood has anchors made of plastic, these must insert into the hole after you have drilled the pilot holes. The range hood could also include an outline of the paper so that you will identify the holes for screws or brackets. Be aware that you shouldn’t cut the big center hole, which is 4-8 inches wide. This is used for vented range hoods.

Step 5

After you’ve fitted the range hood, label the screws holes and then put in the plastic anchors or brackets you need to take your power wire or the wiring (for wired range hoods) into the cabinet. If the cabinet does not have a hole to connect the wiring, you’ll have to drill a tiny hole. It is possible to drill the pilot hole and then use a simple keyhole saw to create the hole. You can use a hole drill bit using a two” diameter. Check that the power cord isn’t snagged between both the cabinet and the range hood.

Step 6

After removing the wire or plug, you need to secure the hood onto the cabinet. If you’re using a cabinet-mounted jack, I would suggest gradually increasing the tension until your range hood is secure to the cabinet. If you’re not using a jack, you might require a supporter to hold the range hood as you fix it. The most typical installation for a range hood will be to screw four screws vertically through the range hood onto the lower part inside of the cabinet. Some range hoods require fastening the screws first but leaving some screws. After that, put the range hood into the screws and push backward (which makes it tighter). If you are using brackets, the range hood must have the ability to slip in the stands.

Step 7

Once you have secured the range hood, you need to plug the power cord into your cabinet’s outlet. If your range hood has wires, you’ll need to join the cables by using wire nuts, black to black or white, and the green wire or unfinished wire to the screw for the ground.

Step 8

After you’ve connected and secured the range hood onto it, the final step is to put in the filters. It is impossible to use the standard baffle or aluminum mesh filters for ductless. You’ll need to purchase the right filter for the hood of your range that contains an activated charcoal layer. The charcoal layer in the filter can capture some of the smoke and particles generated by cooking. They are not washable or reusable but should be replaced every couple of months or at a minimum every six months.

How to install under cabinet ductless range hood: Tips

It is simpler to install under cabinet ductless range hoods than ducted hoods and doesn’t require any carpentry skills… there are several things to be mindful of before installing your hood. They include:

• It is essential to ensure that the cabinet you have placed over your range is suitable for installing the hood underneath and that the range’s hood’s dimensions and thickness are satisfied.
• Make a template on paper before your installation to don’t miss something.
• Purchase plywood to protect your options in case you drop screws or nails. The wood will save your tools.
• Find the central point of the cabinet, and mark the centre of the cabinet. If the installation area lies between 2 cabinets higher than the range, it should be at least halfway.
• Please select a range hood that is at least a couple of inches smaller than the cabinet’s thickness as it’s challenging to get the hood in place, and the hood will be more susceptible to scratching.
• Installing range hoods made of ductless is much easier, and you’ll need no assistance from a professional if you’re willing to do the work yourself.

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Conclusion

Although ductless range hoods are simple to put in, you may need someone to help you with the installation of the hood. You can also cover your stove with a cardboard sheet or a piece of wood to ensure it’s protected and secure while installing the ductless range hood beneath the cabinet. Follow the step-by-step directions to install under cabinet ductless range hood to achieve the functionality and style you want inside your kitchen.