If you're concerned about the safety of your kitchen, you may want to install a range hood. There are a few steps, so we thought we would take a look to help you get started. In this article, you will discover how to install a wall mount range hood. How to Install a Wall Mount Range Hood You and your family spend a lot of time in your kitchen. But did you know that there are potentially harmful particles floating around your kitchen that you and your family may be inhaling? It’s true – when you cook, there are vapors containing toxins that are released into the air. And, that’s not all, you will also find heat, steam, odors and more result from your cooking. Thankfully, a wall-mounted range hood can help you remove these toxins, steam, heat, and smells from the air in your kitchen. Yes – that means a delightful meal of blackened Mahi Mahi will no longer subject your family to the hot, steamy, fishy air in the kitchen. Here's how to install a wall mount range hood. Installing a Wall-mount Range Hood If you are ready to make a positive change in your kitchen – then you need to get that wall-mount range hood installed. While this process may vary depending on the type of range hood you purchase and its specific design, there is a good chance you can get yours up and running in no time with these installation instructions: Choose the location One of the first things you will want to do when installing your range hood is to determine where you are going to install it. There are different types of range hoods, but a wall-mount model attaches directly to the wall, hence the name. And, because you want it to remove the toxins released by cooking, you will install it directly above your range or stovetop where a ducted port should be located. Attach the hood to the wall Once you know where it is going, line up the duct port to the hood port on the new appliance. Use screws to attach the hood to the wall. You may need some assistance with this step. Connect the power In order to get power to the new range hood, you will want to turn off the power to your kitchen. You can choose to wire the hood with a plug to use in an outlet or wire it directly to the power of the kitchen. On your range hood, take a look and find the power supply. You should have three wires, most commonly black, white, and green. Remove a small piece of the rubber shielding around each of the wires. Match them accordingly by color and twist each together. Make sure they are securely connected. Turn the power back on and you should be ready to use your range hood! Please keep in mind that you should always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer for your particular make and model. The Importance Cleaning Your Range Hood Keeping your range hood clean is crucial for both your health and your safety. Your filter inhales your grease, moisture, smoke, particles, and toxins that result from your cooking. Eventually, your filter will start collecting a buildup and the system will fail to work properly. Once this buildup grows too much without being cleaned, you now have yourself a fire hazard. Here’s what can happen: A high flame flares up when you are cooking. The flame comes in contact with the range hood above the stove after all the exhaust fan is drawing in the air so the flames will be pulled upward. With the high level of grease residue, you’ve got fuel for the fire. It can even pull the flames through the ductwork that goes through your home! The fire from an un-clean range hood can be significant. Cleaning your filters can greatly reduce the risk of this devastation. Fire isn’t the only situation. Dirty filters can also lead to unhealthy air to breathe, increased heat (which results in higher energy costs), and moisture that can lead to a bacteria breeding ground. Cleaning Your Range Hood Filter If you want to keep your range hood working in a healthy manner for years to come, then you are going to want to clean your filter. Here are the steps you can take to ensure you are getting the most benefit from your range hood each and every time you use it. Note that this cleaning routine should be performed monthly. Though, depending on your volume of cooking, you may want to consider cleaning it more or less often. Let’s get started. Remove the filter It will vary based on your particular range hood, but they generally either pop out or slide out. Carefully look for your filter to determine how to remove it. If needed, consult your owner’s manual. Fill your sink with hot water Then, add some dish soap and baking soda. Use enough soap to get the water foamy with soap and add about ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda. Mix together. Submerge your filters in the hot water You want them to ideally fit in the sink entirely, but this is not always possible. If you find yourself needing more space, consider using a large bucket or tub. Or, of course, you can soak half at a time and then turn over. Soak your filters for approximately 10 to 12 minutes Submerge them and leave them without interruption. If your filters haven’t been cleaned in a while or seem particularly dirty, you may need to extend this time. Keep in mind that the hot water is key so if you leave them in much longer, you may need to add additional hot water. Get scrubbing Once the filter has soaked and you have allowed the baking soda, dish soap, and hot water work its magic to loosen the debris, now it is time to give them a good scrub. Rinse, dry, re-install Once you have your filters as clean as possible, rinse them well and dry gently with a soft cloth. Then, reinstall them. Be sure they are securely installed so that they are able to work as well as they should. Wipe down the exterior Using a soft cloth and a little soapy water, wipe down the exterior of your range hood. Dry with a soft cloth. Install and care for your range hood properly and you will have many years of clean air coming your way. Conclusion Now that you know how to install a wall mount range hood, you understand the steps required. If you're not comfortable installing a range hood, you may be interested in hiring a professional.
