Installing a range hood might seem like a daunting task reserved for professional contractors, but with the right tools, patience, and a clear guide, it is a project many homeowners can tackle themselves. A properly installed range hood is the lungs of your kitchen—removing grease, smoke, and odors to keep your home healthy.
This guide is created by the Brano engineering and customer support team, based on thousands of real installation cases across the U.S. and Canada.Whether you are upgrading your kitchen aesthetics or replacing an old unit, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the installation process for the most common types of hoods.
Note: If you haven't purchased your unit yet, or are unsure which style fits your kitchen layout, we highly recommend reading our in-depth Range Hood Buying Guide first to ensure you select the perfect specifications.
Preparation is key: Ensure you have all tools ready before starting.
Phase 1: Safety & Preparation
Before drilling a single hole, safety is paramount. You are dealing with electricity and heavy appliances.
Essential Tools You Will Need:
- Power Drill & Drill Bits
- Stud Finder
- Level (Crucial for proper drainage and aesthetics)
- Tape Measure & Pencil
- Screwdrivers (Philips and Flathead)
- Aluminum HVAC Tape (For ducted systems)
- Wire Strippers & Voltage Tester
- Safety Goggles & Gloves
Critical Step: Turn off the power to your kitchen at the circuit breaker. Use a voltage tester to verify the wires are dead before touching them.
Phase 2: Ducted vs. Ductless Installation
Understanding your ventilation type is the first fork in the road.
- Ducted (Vented): This method pushes air outside through ductwork in your wall or ceiling. It is the most effective method. You will need to align your hood with the existing duct pipe.
- Ductless (Recirculating): If you live in an apartment or cannot install ductwork, you will use a recirculation kit. The air is filtered through charcoal filters and returned to the kitchen.
Pro Tip: Most Ductless Range Hoods are convertible, meaning they can support both installation styles.
Phase 3: Installation by Hood Type
Based on common installation issues reported by homeowners, Follow the specific section below for your range hood model.
1. How to Install an Under Cabinet Range Hood
These are space-savers mounted directly beneath an upper cabinet. Browse our Under Cabinet Collection for compact designs.
- Check the Cabinet Strength: Ensure the cabinet can support the weight of the hood.
- Trace the Pattern: Most hoods come with a paper template. Tape this to the underside of the cabinet. Mark your screw holes and the cutout for the ductwork (if ducted) and electrical wiring.
- Drill and Cut: Drill pilot holes for the screws. Use a jigsaw to cut the opening for the vent and power cable.
- Install the Damper: Attach the draft damper to the hood using the provided screws.
- Lift and Secure: This is a two-person job. Lift the hood into place. Thread the electrical wire through the knockout hole. Drive the screws into the pilot holes to secure the hood to the cabinet.
- Connect Wiring: Connect black to black (hot), white to white (neutral), and green/bare to ground using wire nuts.
2. How to Install a Wall Mount Range Hood
Also known as chimney hoods, these make a bold statement. See our Wall Mount Hoods for inspiration.
- Determine Height: The ideal distance between the stove surface and the bottom of the hood is usually 28 to 32 inches. Mark this line on the wall.
- Find the Studs: Use a stud finder to locate wall studs. You must anchor the mounting bracket into studs for stability.
- Mount the Bracket: Screw the main mounting bracket into the studs. Use heavy-duty wall anchors if studs don't align perfectly (though studs are preferred).
- Hang the Hood: Lift the hood body and hook it onto the mounting bracket. Secure it with safety screws from the inside.
- Install the Chimney: Attach the upper chimney bracket near the ceiling. Connect your ductwork (use HVAC tape to seal joints). Slide the decorative chimney covers over the ductwork and secure them to the brackets.
3. How to Install an Island Range Hood
This is the most complex installation as it hangs from the ceiling. Our Island Range Hood are designed for superior 360-degree aesthetics.
- Ceiling Support: Unlike walls, ceilings have joists. You may need to install additional wood blocking between joists to support the heavy weight of an island hood.
- Install the Support Frame: Assemble the metal support frame (angle irons) according to the manual. Adjust the height so the hood sits 30 inches above the island cooktop.
- Mount the Frame: Secure the upper plate of the support frame to your ceiling joists/blocking with lag bolts.
- Connect Duct and Power: Run your ductwork and electrical wiring down through the frame.
- Attach the Body: Lift the hood body and bolt it to the bottom of the support frame. Slide the chimney pieces up to cover the frame.
4. How to Install an Insert Range Hood
Perfect for custom cabinetry, Insert Range Hoods hide neatly inside a custom hood cover.
- Prepare the Liner: If you have a custom wooden hood, you often need a metal liner. Install this first to protect the wood from heat.
- Remove Face Plate: Many inserts require you to remove the face plate or filters to access the mounting holes.
- Position and Secure: Push the insert unit up into the cabinet cutout. It should fit snugly. Secure it by driving screws through the side or top mounting holes into the wooden frame of the cabinet.
- Seal the Edges: Use metallic tape to seal the connection between the hood outlet and the ductwork to prevent air leaks inside the cabinet.
Phase 4: Post-Installation Testing
Once the physical installation is done, perform these checks:
- Power On: Flip the circuit breaker back on. Turn on the hood lights and fan.
- Airflow Test: If ducted, verify air is flowing out of the exterior vent. If ductless, feel for air blowing out of the recirculation vents.
- Vibration Check: Run the fan on high speed. If it rattles excessively, check that mounting screws are tight and the fan blades are balanced.
Watch: Step-by-Step Installation Visual Guide
Prefer watching over reading? We have created a dedicated video library to help you visualize every step of the process.
Maintenance & Longevity
Congratulations! You have successfully installed your Brano range hood. To ensure it keeps performing at its peak, regular maintenance is required. The most important task is keeping the filters clean to prevent grease fires and motor strain.
For a complete tutorial on maintaining your new appliance, read our guide on How To Clean Range Hood Filter. It covers everything from aluminum mesh to baffle filters.
Frequently Asked Questions (Installation FAQ)
1. Can I install a range hood myself, or do I need a professional?
If you have basic DIY skills, tools (drill, level), and existing ductwork, you can install it yourself. However, if you need to cut new ductwork through walls/ceilings or run new electrical wiring, we recommend hiring a professional.
2. What is the ideal height to hang a range hood?
The standard distance is between 26 and 30 inches above the cooktop. Mounting it too high reduces efficiency; mounting it too low can be a fire hazard or block your view.
3. Do I need a dedicated circuit for my range hood?
While not always mandatory for smaller units, it is highly recommended to have a dedicated 15-amp or 20-amp circuit to prevent tripping breakers when other kitchen appliances are running.
4. Can I vent my range hood into the attic?
No. Never vent warm, moist, greasy air into an attic or crawl space. It causes mold and rot. You must vent it completely outside through the roof or a side wall.
5. How do I convert a ducted hood to ductless?
You need to purchase a compatible charcoal filter kit (sold separately). Install the carbon filters onto the motor, and ensure the chimney has slots exposed to recirculate the cleaned air back into the kitchen.
6. What size duct pipe should I use?
Most residential hoods require a 6-inch round duct. High-CFM models (900+ CFM) may require an 8-inch duct. Avoid reducing the duct size, as it increases noise and decreases suction.
7. Why is my range hood vibrating?
Vibration is usually caused by a loose mounting screw, an unbalanced fan blade, or a foreign object stuck in the blower. Check that the unit is securely anchored to the wall studs.
8. Do Brano range hoods come with a plug or are they hardwired?
Most Brano models come with a standard 3-prong plug for easy installation. However, the plug can be cut off and the unit hardwired by an electrician if your local code requires it.
9. What is a backdraft damper and do I need one?
A backdraft damper is a flap that prevents cold outside air from entering your kitchen when the fan is off. Yes, you should install the one provided with your unit.
10. Can I install a wall mount hood under a cabinet?
Generally, no. Wall mount hoods have a chimney meant to be exposed. If you have a cabinet above your stove, you should purchase an Under Cabinet or Insert model instead.
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