Common Installation Mistakes
Your new range hood is an important and valuable addition to your kitchen. To ensure it looks and functions at its best, it's crucial to avoid common installation mistakes. In this article, we'll discuss these mistakes and provide valuable insights to help you have a successful installation process. Let's dive in!
Phase 1 - Receiving & Inspection
It's always a good idea to inspect your new range hood, as well as other appliances and electronic devices, as soon as they are delivered. This way, if there are any issues such as shipping damage or missing parts, you can address them within the required timeframes. By doing so, you'll avoid delays in your kitchen renovation project.
While every Futuro Futuro range hood undergoes individual inspection before shipping and is carefully packaged to withstand the rigors of transportation, shipping damage can still occur. Contacting us immediately allows us to resolve the problem promptly.
Before installation, it's essential to plug in the range hood and check its functionality. This might seem like common sense, but in the midst of a kitchen upgrade, it's easy to overlook. By plugging in the hood and testing the blower and lights, you can ensure that it's fully operational. In case your installer makes a mistake during the installation process, you'll know exactly what needs troubleshooting.
During the inspection, you may notice that certain parts of the hood, such as the vertical chimney, have a white appearance. This is due to a protective plastic film designed to minimize the risk of scratches during installation. Remember not to remove this film until the installation process is complete.
Phase 2 - Planning For Installation
Ducted or Ductless?
Range hoods can be installed in either "ducted" (or "vented") or "ductless" (or "ventless" or "recirculating") configurations. In a ducted installation, the air is exhausted to the outside of the house, while in a ductless installation, the air is filtered and recirculated within the kitchen.
Whenever possible, it's recommended to connect your range hood to an outside duct. This not only improves performance compared to ductless installations but also reduces noise levels.
Ducted Installation
When installing a range hood, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding duct size and type. Using a smaller duct than specified can result in decreased performance and potential mechanical failure due to overheating.
Most high-performance range hoods require the use of rigid ducting. This is because flexible ducting, with its ridged walls, creates turbulence, reducing performance and increasing noise. Rigid ducting, on the other hand, has smooth walls that promote laminar airflow, which is especially important for range hoods with high extraction rates.
In addition, flexible ducting is prone to cracking and rupture, which can be costly to repair. While rigid ducting may be slightly more expensive and require more effort to install, it's the right choice in terms of performance and compliance with local building codes.
In a ducted installation, charcoal filters should not be used.
Ducted Installation - Outside Discharge
One of the most serious installation mistakes is terminating the duct in an enclosed space, such as the attic. This can cause the range hood to operate improperly or not at all due to back-pressure from the enclosed space. Moreover, venting warm, moist air into the attic creates a conducive environment for mold growth.
If you notice that the range hood isn't suctioning air or feel air blowing out from the filter surface after installation, it's essential to check the ductwork.
Ducted Installation - Duct Caps / Roof Caps
When ducting a range hood to the outside, it's important to use the correct duct caps. For side-wall terminations, a duct cap is necessary to prevent rain and snow from entering. Roof-mounted ducts, on the other hand, may require a "U" shaped elbow to allow air to exit while keeping out unwanted elements.
Ensure that the cap matches the duct's size in diameter, as using a smaller cap can cause airflow problems and static pressure issues. Additionally, installing a damper at the end of the duct prevents outside air from flowing back and keeps out birds, insects, and other unwanted visitors.
Regularly check the condition of the duct cap to ensure it's not clogged and that the damper operates smoothly.
Ductless (Recirculating) Installation
In situations where connecting the range hood to an outside duct is not possible, such as in high-rise buildings or condos with concrete ceilings, a ductless installation is necessary. In this configuration, in addition to metal filters, charcoal filters are used to absorb odors. It's crucial to order charcoal filters separately, install them in the hood, and replace them every six months.
Remember, if you can't replace the charcoal filter, it's better to remove it than to operate the range hood with a clogged filter. You can find replacement filters on our website under the "Range Hood Accessories" category.
Electrical
When connecting your range hood to the power supply, two important considerations should be kept in mind. First, never cut the power plug. If the hood comes with a plug, it's designed to be plugged in. Cutting the plug can lead to warranty issues and inspection problems. Second, ensure that the range hood is connected to a dedicated electrical line, separate from other appliances or dimmable lights. This prevents voltage drops and electrical interference that can affect the range hood's performance and lifespan.
Phase 3 - Location & Support
Installation Height
The height at which a range hood should be installed above the cooking surface depends on various factors. It's essential to consult the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific model being installed. Typically, range hoods are installed between 26 to 30 inches above the cooktop, but this range may vary. For optimal performance, Futuro Futuro recommends installing our range hoods between 26 to 28 inches above the cooktop. This positioning allows the hood to effectively capture smoke and steam.
Additionally, positioning the range hood at a height where the lights are below eye level makes it easier to reach the control panel and simplifies cleaning.
Proper Support
Attaching a range hood to sheetrock alone is a dangerous mistake. To ensure long-term stability and safety, it's crucial to attach the hood to structural beams or joists. If there are no beams or joists at the desired installation location, use a cross-brace made from strong materials like 2x4s or 3/4-inch plywood as a substitute.
Attaching a range hood to sheetrock may initially seem secure, but over time, the anchors can loosen with regular use. Make sure your installer follows the proper attachment procedures from the beginning.
Wall-Mount Hoods - Additional Considerations
When installing a wall-mount range hood, it's essential to mount it over a backsplash rather than incorporating it into the backsplash itself. There are several reasons for this approach:
- Cutting stone or tiles around the hood is challenging, especially if they have curved or unusual shapes.
- Visible grout lines may not look aesthetically pleasing.
- In case of maintenance or service needs, cutting out the hood from the grout can be inconvenient.
- There's a higher risk of damaging the range hood, such as dents or scratches.
Leave a space of at least 1/2 inch between the edge of the wall-mount range hood and the surrounding cabinetry. This allows for easier installation, prevents damage caused by cabinet expansion or shifting, and facilitates cleaning by avoiding the accumulation of dirt and grease in confined crevices.
Phase 4 - Installation Process
Protective Film
The vertical chimney of Futuro Futuro range hoods is covered with a protective plastic film to prevent scratches during installation. It's crucial to remind your installer not to remove this film until the entire installation process is completed.
Miscellaneous
On some models, the grease filters may also have a protective film that should be removed before using the hood.
For models with extensive glass elements, such as the Skylight, Luxor, Acqualina, Quest, Wave, and others, it's essential not to lift the range hood by the glass during installation. While this might seem like common sense, sometimes installers mistakenly attempt to lift a heavy appliance by a decorative glass panel. Avoid this mistake to prevent damage.
After installation, you can easily remove dirt and fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces by spraying WD-40 or another non-abrasive cleaner onto a paper towel and wiping the surface. Avoid using stainless steel polishes as they can scratch or discolor the surface.
Conclusion
In summary, here are the key takeaways:
- Inspect your shipment promptly upon arrival.
- Plug in the range hood before installation to ensure it functions properly.
- Keep the protective film on the chimney until installation is complete.
- Use rigid ducting for ducted installations.
- Change charcoal filters every six months in ductless installations.
- Do not cut the power plug of the range hood; plug it into a dedicated line.
- Ensure proper support by attaching the range hood to structural beams or joists.
- Install wall-mount range hoods over the backsplash, leaving a space between the hood and cabinets.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for installation height and location.
- Protect the glass elements of the range hood during installation.
- Clean stainless steel surfaces with non-abrasive cleaners.
By following these guidelines and avoiding common installation mistakes, you'll enjoy a properly functioning and visually appealing range hood in your kitchen.
