Range hoods play an important role in cleaning the hot fumes from your cooktop and replacing them with clean cool air. No matter how much we try to maintain our range hoods, they will eventually fail after some time, usually after 10 years. When this happens, it is not necessary that you call a contractor to do the job for you when you need to replace yours, as you can do it on your own. This article looks at some steps you need to follow to replace a range hood on your own.
- Detach The Old Range Hood
Before you begin any replacement activity, you should always turn off the electricity at the connection breaker. Use an electrical detector to ensure that the connection is completely broken so that you do not electrocute yourself. Then remove the electrical tape at the connection and detach the wires. Remove the electrical box. Use a manual screwdriver to detach the range hood and keep it away.
- Dissemble The New Range Hood
Remove the filters and electrical box from the new range hood. Use a chisel or screwdriver and a small harmer to knock out the power cable hole as well as the electrical box cover. Ensure not to use so much force as this could end up destroying the range hood together with the electrical box.
- Hold the New Range Hood and Mark the Cutouts
Now, this is where you might need an extra helping hand to hold the range hood in place as you mark the cutout using a pencil. Alternatively, you can use two domestic jacks to lift and hold the range hood in place. As you do this, do not forget to mark the screw holes so that you do not have to repeat the process. If you already have a template for the new range hood, this should be easier because you do not need to hold the range hood to draw the cutout.
- Cut the Cutouts and Drill the Screw Holes
Use a power drill to make the screw holes in the marks you previously made. Then use a wallboard saw to make the range hood cutout in the drywall. If your wall is made of bricks, use a small harmer and a chisel to make the cutout. If the wall contains some vents and pipes, you might consider calling in a contractor so that you do not damage the connections. If there are no utility connections, then count yourself lucky.
- Attach the New Electrical Box
Pass the electrical cable through the cable hole in the electrical box of the new range hood. Join the black wire of the range hood cable to the black wire coming from the house supply. Repeat this process with the white wire then use electrical tape to cover the connections for enhanced security, and then insert the connection cover caps. This is a critical stage since a slight mistake might cause a serious fire. If there is something that you do not understand concerning the connection or have not dealt with electrical appliances before, please call in an electrician to help you out. Ensure that you first install the range hood and leave the electrical part for them because most contractors will charge you more money.
- Mount the New Range Hood
Use two domestic jacks to hold the range hood in place and use mounting screws to hoist it in the cutout. Fasten the jacks to ensure the range hood is flashed against the bottom of the cabinet so that it does not fall off since this would cause breakages. Use water level to ensure the range hood is in the perfect alignment, and then fasten the mounting screws using a power screwdriver. Put back the filters and the control board together with the cover of the new range hood. Using the power screwdriver, fasten any grease guards back in place and ensure you do not hold the grease guards with your bare hands.
- Turn the Power on to Test Workability
Reset the settings of your new range hood and turn the power on to test its workability. You should feel the cool fresh air around the cooktop area, and that is how you know the range hood is functioning properly.
DIY range hood installation is only for the people who are not afraid of getting handy. If you are the office warmer type or are not sure you can do it, you should call in a contractor. You do not want to invest so much of your money in buying a good range hood only to fail in the installation part.