Implementing a Kitchen Exhaust Fan: Detailed Steps and Expert Advice
Installing a ducted kitchen extractor fan can be a rewarding DIY project, improving your kitchen's ventilation and air quality. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.
Planning and Preparation
- Identify the location for the extractor fan, typically above the cooktop, ensuring access to an exterior wall or roof for venting.
- Measure and mark the position for the vent hole on the exterior wall or ceiling using a pencil and level.
- Gather required tools such as a pencil, measuring tape, electric drill, appropriate drill bits, screwdriver, duct tape, gloves, and a vent cap or grille.
Drilling the Vent Hole
- Drill a hole through the exterior wall or ceiling at the marked spot, sized to the duct diameter of the extractor fan. Use appropriate tools such as a hole saw or reciprocating saw for a neat hole.
- Clear any debris and smooth the edges of the hole to prevent damage to the duct or wall.
Installing the Ductwork
- Attach the ductwork (usually circular metal or plastic ducts) to the vent hole on the outside, securing it with duct tape or clamps to ensure an airtight connection.
- Inside the kitchen, connect the ductwork to the extractor fan’s vent outlet, again using duct tape to seal all joints and prevent air leaks.
Mounting the Extractor Fan
- Fix the mounting bracket or frame on the wall or ceiling where the fan will be installed, ensuring it is level and securely fastened.
- Slide or screw the extractor fan body into the bracket according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Electrical Connections
- Turn off power at the breaker before starting electrical work.
- Connect the extractor fan’s wiring to the household supply wires in the electrical junction box using wire nuts or connectors.
- Connect live (usually brown or black), neutral (blue or white), and ground (green or bare) wires appropriately.
- Secure the grounding screw on the fan body to ensure safety.
- Plug in the fan’s power cord or hardwire it as per the installation manual, ensuring compliance with local electrical codes.
Finishing
- Place or snap on the fan’s cover grille or faceplate.
- Test the fan by restoring power and switching it on to verify proper operation.
- Seal any external vent openings with an appropriate cover or grille to prevent weather ingress while allowing airflow.
Remember to follow the specific fan manufacturer’s installation manual and local building codes for safety and compliance.
If you're not confident with electrical work, consider hiring an electrician to complete the task. Also, ensure the vent hole is drilled carefully to prevent the drill from jamming and causing injury.
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential during installation, including a dust mask, goggles, work gloves, and hearing protection.
Installing a kitchen extractor fan system can help ensure your kitchen has cleaner air and is less susceptible to formation of mildew and mould, and accumulation of grease on surfaces.
Tools needed for installing a kitchen extractor fan include an SDS drill, diamond core drill bit, combi drill, masonry drill bits, laser level, tape measure, pencil, hammer, extractor unit, ducting kit or cooker hood termination kit (if ducted), sealant (if ducted), screws, wall plugs, duct tape, gloves, goggles, ear protection, and a step ladder.
Before beginning installation, turn off the electricity supply to any applicable power outlets at the consumer unit. Do not skip this step.
After drilling the vent hole, attach mounting brackets to the wall using screws and wall plugs, ensuring they are level. Drilling the vent hole for ducted extractors requires an SDS drill with a diamond core drill bit, and the bit should be fractionally wider than the ducting.
Kitchen extractors can be used either as ducted extractors or recirculators, each requiring different installation methods. Loose brick and other debris will come away during the drilling of the vent hole; remove them as you go to prevent the drill bit from overheating and deforming.
If your kitchen requires even more ventilation, you might benefit from installing an additional standalone electric extractor fan. If there isn't a suitable socket for the ducted extractor, an electrician may need to be hired to add one.
Correct installation of a kitchen extractor fan is crucial as errors could lead to structural issues, draughts, and ineffective handling of cooking fumes. Connect the ducting (if present) to the extractor using duct tape and/or clamps, then lift the extractor into place on the brackets and tighten up any screws or other fixings.
If you're unsure about any step in the installation process, consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional advice. Recirculating cooker hoods are simpler to install but do not truly extract cooking fumes; they purify them instead. For instructions on installing a recirculating cooker hood, consult a separate guide.
- Careful planning and preparation are essential before installing a ducted kitchen extractor fan, such as identifying the location above the cooktop for the vent hole.
- The chosen location should have access to an exterior wall or roof for proper venting of the extractor fan.
- The process requires various tools, including a pencil, measuring tape, electric drill, duct tape, gloves, a vent cap or grille, and possibly an SDS drill, diamond core drill bit, combi drill, masonry drill bits, and a laser level.
- Ventilation in the kitchen is improved by installing a kitchen extractor fan, reducing air quality issues and minimizing the formation of mildew, mould, and grease on surfaces.
- While installing the ducted kitchen extractor fan, remember to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like a dust mask, goggles, work gloves, and hearing protection.
- Correct installation of ducted kitchen extractor fans is important to ensure the system runs effectively, avoiding potential structural issues and draughts.
- To comply with safety and local building codes, it's crucial to follow the specific fan manufacturer's installation guide and ensure any electrical connections are made correctly.
- If you encounter difficulties during the installation process or have concerns about safety, consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional advice to ensure a successful and efficient kitchen extractor fan setup.
