Replacing a range hood? Check the fit, air path and power before buying

Establish where the air goes

State whether the existing hood exhausts outside, returns air to the kitchen or has an unknown arrangement. PNNL's retrofit guide notes that a decorative chimney can look ducted without being connected to an exhaust route. It also explains that some recirculating models can convert to outdoor exhaust while others cannot. Leave opening covers and tracing concealed ducts to the assessor.

For Whirlpool hoods configured to recirculate, its support guidance calls for the specified charcoal filter. Record the exact filter or conversion kit required by the proposed model; do not assume it comes with the appliance. Converting to outdoor exhaust requires assessment of the route as well as the hood.

Check more than the advertised width

Photograph the full cooking area and record the cabinet opening, cabinet depth and distance from the cooking surface to the existing hood. Include the cooktop model and fuel type. Have the installer compare both appliances' installation requirements rather than copy the old mounting height.

Whirlpool directs installers to use the cabinet-opening dimensions and minimum clearances in the hood instructions. Ask whether the proposed mounting points suit the actual cabinet or wall, and whether removal will expose unfinished paint, tile or an old opening. Include any repair or trim work in the estimate.

Compare the new hood with the existing duct

Broan-NuTone specifies metal ducting, favors a smooth interior over flexible ridged duct, and warns against reducing the duct below the chosen hood's specified size. The assessor should confirm the connection shape, size and direction before buying adapters.

PNNL's guide calls for a short, direct route to an exterior wall or roof termination. For a conversion, ask which cabinets or finished surfaces the proposed route would affect. For a replacement, ask what can be reused and how inaccessible sections will be evaluated. A nearby wall grille does not establish that the current hood connects to it.

Include electrical and airflow requirements

Provide the model instructions and describe any visible plug or known hardwired connection without opening electrical covers. Ask who will handle the connection and whether any circuit or outlet work is included. Moving the cooking appliance or changing its gas connection is a separate task to discuss.

Whirlpool notes that replacement air is needed for exhaust ventilation and that local makeup-air requirements vary. Before choosing a higher-output hood, have a qualified installer assess that requirement for your home. A larger airflow number is not a complete installation plan.

Send a complete request

These details let the team assess the proposal before arranging a visit:

• Old hood and cooktop model numbers, plus the proposed hood's installation manual.
• Wide kitchen photos and the accessible cabinet dimensions; leave unknown measurements marked unknown.
• Known outdoor outlet location and any existing duct records, without climbing or removing panels.
• Whether the request includes disposal, cabinet alterations, wall finishing, new ductwork or electrical changes.

Plan the handover

Ask for operating checks, filter access and the correct maintenance instructions to be included. Send Coast & Craft the details and your city for scope review. The team will confirm whether the work fits an accepted visit or needs a ventilation, electrical or other specialist before scheduling.