Installing a range hood or extractor fan can become one of the most costly parts of creating a new kitchen.
Because it requires cutting holes through existing walls and extending ventilation ducting, not to mention all the additional materials required, this is one renovation task where you definitely don't want to save money by DIY-ing.
The price range quoted for installation varies widely depending on how much work needs to be done and what size and type of extractor fan you're after, so prices can fluctuate between localities, providers and electricians.A general rule though is about $300-$500 for small extractor fans (50cm) up to $1000+ for larger units (75cm). Installation costs will depend on the following factors:
Type of socket and ducting required
Whether you want an in-wall fan or ceiling extractor
Additional electrical points installed, if needed
Labour costs for running new wiring from existing power points or adding extra power points
Slide out units: $160- $245
Hanging a canopy range: $300+
A range hood or simply hood, in a residential or commercial kitchen, is an overhead cabinet that provides a method of ventilation and extraction. The main function of a range hood is to get rid of cooking fumes and steam from dishes as well as other types of smell produced by the kitchen while preparing. It does not make sense to install a range hood in your kitchen if you do not install an extractor fan inside it. This is because the fan helps suck up the air inside the range hood which will help reduce any smoke coming out. In some cases, when purchasing an extractor fan along with your new range hood, you will get a power cord to operate the fan with. This way you can always install the fan on its own if you already have one or are not very satisfied with the extractor fan that is included in your range hood unit.
Electricians know the technical specs of the power system and rules that govern electrical installation. Unless you're a qualified electrician, you can't ensure that proper wiring is installed and in compliance with Australian Standards.
You need a qualified electrician otherwise called installers or electricians to install a rangehood fan and associated electrical components such as switches, light sockets, power points, etc. You can install the rangehood yourself, but there won't be anyone to guide you and a service by a qualified electrician will need to come out and install these.They have reciprocating saws and can make cable hole easily. They use voltage testers and everything needed to make a hole safely.
When installing a range hood you need to make a hole at different places of your home. Take into account the duct, hoods, locator holes, wall, cfm, and hood housing for your home.
Most people buy a range hood or simply hood instead of installing an exhaust fan over the stoves. This is because range hoods move all the cooking fumes and odours to a specific place outside which makes preparing quite pleasant for you and your family. Rangehoods come in different sizes and styles as well. If you want something that will fit into your kitchen, there are many manufacturers who can help make one in any desired size or design. As long as there is space above your stove, they can create a great looking item that will look awesome in your kitchen.
If you're replacing an old range hood or old hood then this decision may already have been made for you but if not then it's good to check out the other options. Rangehoods can be either ducted to an external wall or ceiling - these types are often used in commercial kitchens that don't have windows. In this case, the hood is usually suspended from the ceiling and kicked air out into the room instead of outside. Check out the cfm rating because the cfm rating is crucial. The second option is a recirculating range hood which will suck up fumes and send them away through filters. They're very efficient but may not suit homes with small children who like to touch everything or cigarette smokers as they give off smells if you're cooking something like fish or vegetables that emit strong odours. The third type draws in the fresh air and has charcoal filters for removing smoke so it's ideal if you cook smelly things regularly such as fish or garlic.
The type of range hood you need depends on your kitchen and whether or not you need it ventilated to the outside. The type of range hood that needs to be vented to the outside is called a "ducted" range hood. These are often used in commercial kitchens that don't have windows and where the air kicked out is directed into the room rather than outside. Cabinets will have a vent hole. Vent holes are important even if it's a wall mount rangehood. A re-circulating rangehood also has filters for catching smells, which makes it a good choice for families with small children, smokers or chefs who may emit odours during cooking. This kind of hood will suck up fumes, send them through the filter and then release them back into the kitchen again before they hit the outside air.
The size and style of kitchen you have will determine the type of range hood you need. It's also important to think about where it should go and how much clearance is available above your stovetop.
Rangehoods are usually hung from the ceiling but can be wall mounted too if necessary. The type of rangehood you need depends on the location and size of your kitchen. For example, if you don't have room for a ducted model then a re-circulating one may be suitable.
After you've chosen a style or manufacturer, speak to an electrician about installation before placing your order. Most require electrical power and professional installation. Your local hardware store should be able to help with this or search online for a specialised installer.When it comes time to install the actual range hood make sure you know where all the new components are going: powerpoints, switches, lights, etc. And remember that the location of your plug is important so leave yourself plenty of room.
You need to attach the duct to the wall. The wall should have ample space for the duct. The duct will be sticking to the wall. Ensure the wall is strong enough and the wall can withstand locator holes. You need to drill locator holes. Take these things into account and after taking them into account, you're good to proceed with the installations process at home. Installations at home may need additional supporting equipment, best installed safely by a professional.There are two types of ductwork that range hoods use: metal and flexible. A flexible duct will need to be mounted with clips or screws and is then connected to the venting pipe around the base of the stove. Metal pipes require cutting with a hacksaw before they can be connected by screws or clips. A ducted range hood system has an automatic damper that's installed by your duct installer. This will save you money on your energy bill as the damper keeps the air in your home from escaping through the chimney or roof like it normally would. The final part of the system is a duct cover which helps to hide the pipework from view and will look like an expansion grille above your stove. This can be removed for cleaning or maintenance, and the width of your kitchen should allow at least six inches of space above the stove to fit this.
The type of rangehood you need depends on your kitchen and whether you need it ventilated to the outside. For example, if you don't have room for a ducted model, a re-circulating one may be suitable. Your choice also depends on where your power points are located, how much space there will be above your stovetop and where disused appliances have been placed in your kitchen. You can install a range hood with a duct if you have enough room to run the pipework from your stove. If not, consider installing one that doesn't use ducts and vents through your roof instead. Ducted range hood systems are typically more expensive than re-circulating models but need less maintenance. To minimise your energy bills and help the environment, a ducted model will have an automatic damper to reduce the amount of work required on your furnace or AC system. It's important to note that this will only reduce the amount of work - it won't shut off airflow altogether. A non-ducted rangehood is a good choice if you don't want any visible pipework in your kitchen or if there simply isn't room for a duct to run to outside. When using this type of rangehood, pay special attention to where the unit vents through because fumes from cooking can degrade indoor atmoshpehere quality over time.
Rangehood or simply hood filters need to be cleaned a number of times for maximum effectiveness. The frequency that you should clean your rangehood filter depends on the type and how much cooking you do in your kitchen. It's important to remember that if it's not being used frequently, the filter should be removed and cleaned at least once a month. Some cooks recommend cleaning your rangehood every time you cook something particularly smelly or greasy - especially meats like bacon or fish. If you're not using the rangehood as often as usual, just give it a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water when you get around to it. How often will depend entirely on what goes on in your kitchen; which is why it's important to read the installation and maintenance instructions carefully.
Rangehood filters are all different and will indicate when they should be replaced or cleaned in their manuals. Some have a clean-cycle option while others can be backflushed to remove excess grease that builds up between cleanings. Read your manual before cleaning a filter. You can also check how often you should replace or clean your rangehood filter by looking at the warranty information provided with the appliance. Most include clear details about what kind of usage the manufacturer recommends for optimal performance and product life. Rangehood filters are relatively inexpensive and should be replaced after a certain number of uses, depending on the model you choose.