Hey there! So, we recently jazzed up our New Orleans flip house with a shiny new range hood, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure! Now, I’m super excited to spill the beans and share some handy tips we picked up along the way. Here they are:
1. Measure Twice, Install Once: So, picture this: you're all pumped to install your range hood, but hold up! Before you go hammering away, take a sec to measure twice. Trust me, it’ll save you from any installation headaches later on.
2. Choose the Right Hood: Alright, folks, let’s talk hood. Not all hoods are created equal, you know? Make sure you pick one that’s gonna tackle those kitchen fumes.
3. Ventilation Matters: Now, this one’s a biggie. Decide whether you’re venting outside or going ductless. It’s like choosing between gumbo and jambalaya – both tasty, but gotta pick the one that suits your style. We went with a vented hood, and decided to vent to the side of our house instead of going through the roof.
4. Clearance is Key: Ain’t nobody got time for a cramped kitchen! Make sure there’s enough space between your hood and the cooking area. Safety first, y’all! Generally speaking, you’ll want to aim for about 18 to 30 inches of clearance between the bottom of the hood and the cooking surface. This space helps ensure proper ventilation and prevents any unwanted mishaps, like bumping your head while you’re whipping up your famous gumbo. But hey, always double-check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific clearance recommendations for your hood model. Better safe than sorry, right?
5. Power Up: Time to amp up that hood power! Think about your cooking habits and pick one with enough oomph to handle your culinary creations.
Now, how do you know how much CFM you need? Well, it depends on a few factors:
Kitchen Size: If you’ve got a sprawling kitchen worthy of a cooking show set, you’ll likely need a higher CFM to keep the air fresh and clean.
Cooking Habits: Are you a master chef who loves to experiment with bold flavors and intense spices? Or maybe you’re more of a microwave dinner kind of person (no judgment!). Your cooking habits can influence how much ventilation power you need.
So, when you’re shopping for a range hood, don’t just focus on the bells and whistles (although those LED lights are pretty snazzy!). Take a good look at the CFM rating too, and make sure it’s up to the task of keeping your kitchen air clean and fresh, no matter what culinary adventures you embark on.
6. Follow the Manual: Yeah, yeah, I know, manuals aren’t exactly riveting reads. But trust me, taking a peek at the instructions can save you from a DIY disaster.
7. Secure and Seal: No leaks allowed! Seal up those gaps and secure your hood snug as a bug in a rug.
8. Consider Lighting: Shed some light on your cooking shenanigans! Position those hood lights just right for some kitchen ambiance.
9. Safety First: Listen, if electrical stuff ain’t your jam, no shame in calling in the pros. Safety always comes first, my friends. In our case we hired our electrician to add an additional outlet so that the plug for our electric range could utilize.
10. Test it Out: Last but not least, give that bad boy a test run! Make sure everything’s hunky-dory before you call it a day.
So, there you have it – our top tips for a successful range hood installation, straight from our New Orleans flip house chronicles. Hope these nuggets of wisdom make your hood installation a breeze!