Range Hood Installation: Vented, Level, and Properly Sized
A range hood that's mounted too high, vented into the attic, or just recirculating through a filter does a poor job of clearing smoke, grease, and moisture from cooking. Many homes have an undersized duct, no exterior vent at all, or a hood hung at the wrong height over the range. The result is a kitchen that stays steamy and greasy, plus moisture pushed into the home, which in a humid climate is the last thing you want.
A range hood works only when its airflow, the ducting, and the mounting height all match the cooktop below it. The hood should be sized so its capture area and CFM suit the range, and it should ideally vent to the exterior through smooth, correctly sized duct with as few sharp turns as possible. Mounting height matters because too high loses capture and too low gets in the way and can be a clearance issue, especially over a gas range. The electrical connection has to be done safely, and ductless recirculating setups, while sometimes the only option, are far less effective than venting outside.
How the job is done
- 1
Size the hood and plan the duct route
We match the hood's width and airflow to the cooktop and plan the shortest, smoothest duct path to the exterior, since long runs and sharp elbows kill ventilation performance.
- 2
Confirm the mounting height and clearances
We set the hood at the manufacturer's recommended height above the range, balancing capture with clearance, and check any required gap over a gas burner.
- 3
Cut and run the duct to the exterior
We cut the wall or roof penetration, run rigid or approved duct of the correct size to an exterior cap with a backdraft damper, and seal the joints so air actually leaves the house.
- 4
Mount the hood securely
The hood is fastened into studs, cabinet, or solid backing and checked level, since a heavy hood needs real support and a level mount to seal against the ductwork.
- 5
Make the electrical connection safely
With the circuit off, we connect the hood's wiring per code, whether hardwired or plugged, and confirm the ground and connections are correct before restoring power.
- 6
Test airflow, lights, and damper
We run the fan on each speed, confirm the lights work, and verify air is moving out the exterior cap and the backdraft damper opens and closes properly.
What a pro checks
- Venting to the exterior clears grease, smoke, and moisture far better than a recirculating filter, which mostly just moves air around the kitchen.
- Smooth, correctly sized duct with minimal sharp turns is what lets a hood actually move its rated airflow; long flex runs choke it.
- Mounting height is a real tradeoff: too high loses capture, too low blocks the cook and can violate clearance over a gas range, so the manufacturer spec guides it.
- In humid kitchens, pushing cooking moisture outside rather than recirculating it helps reduce the dampness that feeds mold and odors.
- An exterior cap with a working backdraft damper keeps outside air, pests, and weather from coming back in through the duct when the hood is off.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a vented range hood better than a recirculating one?
Generally yes. A hood ducted to the outside removes grease, smoke, and moisture from the kitchen, while a recirculating hood filters and returns the air, which is much less effective. We vent to the exterior whenever the layout allows it.
How high should a range hood be mounted above the stove?
It follows the manufacturer's recommended range, which balances good capture with clearance and depends on the hood type and whether the range is gas or electric. Mounting outside that range hurts performance or creates clearance problems.
Can a range hood be vented if there's no existing duct?
Often yes, by running new duct to an exterior wall or roof cap, though the feasibility depends on the cabinet layout and what's above the kitchen. Where exterior venting truly isn't possible, a recirculating setup is the fallback, but it's less effective.
Why isn't my range hood clearing smoke well?
Common reasons are an undersized or recirculating setup, a duct with too many turns or that's too small, or a hood mounted too high. We check the airflow, the duct path, and the mounting height, since one of those is usually the culprit.
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