Even if you choose a powerful, quiet and properly sized range hood, that’s only half the equation. You also need a top-notch installation to enjoy the full performance of your new appliance. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

1. Allow Sufficient Space for the Vent Duct.
If it’s a new build, check that you have enough room to install your ventilation ducts before starting work. Will wood studs, plumbing and other elements influence the new duct layout? If installing a wall-mounted range hood turns out to be impossible, you may want to rethink your plans and install a ceiling hood instead.

2. Keep the Ventilation Route as Short and Direct as Possible.
A range hood’s power is calculated in CFM (cubic feet per minute), a measure of how much air the appliance can draw in. However, this performance is often measured under conditions that are very different from those found in your kitchen.

The exact layout of the duct impacts the actual appliance’s performance. For every foot in length of vent, you lose the equivalent of 1 CFM, and for every elbow, you lose 25 CFM. You also need at least 18″ of duct before each elbow, which can sometimes increase the overall length.

Therefore, it’s preferable to take the most direct route outside. This can mean reaching an exterior wall (for example, in the case of a wall-mounted hood) or going through the roof (common for ceiling or island hoods).

3. Choose Rigid Ducts.
There are two types of ducting on the market, rigid and semi-rigid. The latter offers more flexibility during installation but has two significant downsides: a greater risk of grease build-up and higher static pressure, which will minimize the efficiency of your range hood. We advise, where possible, to maximize the use of rigid ducting.

4. For Greater Silence, Choose a Range Hood with Remote Blower.
When you choose a range hood model with a remote blower, the fan and motor unit is installed elsewhere than in the kitchen, further along the exhaust duct. This system moves the primary source of noise pollution to another area, making the appliance quieter. If you are interested in this type of range hood, you’ll need to plan for it since it influences the installation.

5. Install a Wide-Enough Duct.
For most models, a 6″ duct is adequate to exhaust air. However, the air expelled by a powerful range hood (400 CFM) may encounter some resistance and limit the unit’s performance. An 8″ duct is thus preferable.

6. Apply Aluminum or Stainless Steel Tape to the Duct Joints.
Rather than sealing ducts with a standard polyethylene duct tape, use aluminum or stainless steel tape. These materials are tighter and more resistant to heat. These materials are tighter and more resistant to heat. If a kitchen fire were to spread inside the ductwork, such metallic tapes could prevent flames from spilling out at vulnerable points.

7. Install the Range Hood at the Recommended Height.
Check your owner’s manual to determine how high your range hood should be installed. Generally, a clearance of 24″ to 36″ is required between the bottom of the appliance and the cooking surface, but this can vary depending on installation and equipment. For example, a relatively powerful recessed ceiling hoodcould be much higher. More space is also needed above a gas range, where the intense heat could otherwise damage some components.

8. Let One of our Partners Take Care of Your Range Hood Installation.
Here’s a simple solution: ask our team to recommend an Aroua Installation Partner near you. These trusted contractors have already mastered our specifications and quality standards, ensuring you get outstanding results – and maximum performance out of your range hood!