Let’s face it—cooking at home is great, but nobody loves dealing with smoky air, lingering food odors, or grease buildup on cabinets. That’s where a ducted mobile home kitchen exhaust fan, or range hood, comes in. It’s an essential tool to keep your air fresh and clean while you focus on whipping up your next masterpiece.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your kitchen with a range hood but aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will break it all down so you can handle the installation like a pro. Ready? Let’s get started!
What Is a Mobile Home Range Hood and Why Do You Need One?
A range hood is more than just a convenience—it’s a practical tool that keeps your kitchen safe and fresh. By capturing smoke, steam, and cooking odors, it significantly improves the air quality in your home. For mobile homes, where space and ventilation can be limited, having a range hood is a game-changer.
Here’s why you’ll love a ducted range hood:
- Better Air Quality: It removes pollutants, smoke, and grease particles, keeping your kitchen air clean.
- Controls Moisture: Reduces excess humidity, which helps prevent mold or mildew.
- Easier Cleaning: Cuts down on grease buildup on your walls and cabinets.
- Meets Safety Standards: Proper ventilation ensures your home meets air quality requirements.
Unlike ductless range hoods that recirculate air through a filter, ducted models vent air outside. If you cook regularly, ducted hoods are the more effective option.
How to Install a Ducted Mobile Home Range Hood
Installing a ducted range hood might seem complicated, but breaking it into smaller steps makes it manageable. Follow these directions to ensure a successful and safe installation.
For a more detailed printout, refer to Ventline’s Instruction Manual for their Horizontal Outlet Range Hood.
Safety First!
Before you begin, keep these essential safety precautions in mind:
- Disconnect the Power: Turn off the power at your home’s service panel to avoid electrical shocks.
- Ensure Proper Venting: Always use metal ductwork to vent air outside. Never vent into enclosed spaces like attics or crawl spaces.
- Check for Combustion Air: Make sure your kitchen has adequate airflow to prevent backdrafting from fuel-burning appliances.
- Watch for Hidden Hazards: Be cautious when cutting into walls or ceilings to avoid damaging wires, pipes, or other utilities.
Step 1: Mark the Centerline
- Identify the centerline of your stove on the wall and the underside of the cabinet above it.
- Measure 5¼ inches to either side of the centerline to mark where the duct opening will go.
Step 2: Cut the Duct Opening
- From the back edge of the cabinet, measure down 3/8 inch and mark this spot.
- Cut a 10½-inch by 3⅞-inch hole along the range’s centerline. This will serve as your duct opening.
- Double-check that the opening aligns with the range hood’s duct outlet.
Step 3: Prep the Wiring
- Drill a 7/8-inch hole for the electrical wire.
- Feed the wire through the hole and secure it with a wire connector.
- Confirm that all wiring complies with local electrical codes.
Step 4: Mount the Range Hood
- If needed, attach an extension duct to the range hood’s outlet.
- Insert the duct into the wall opening and ensure it fits snugly.
- Secure the range hood to the underside of the cabinet using screws. Use the pre-drilled mounting holes as guides.
Step 5: Connect the Wiring
- Open the wiring compartment by removing the cover.
- Match the wires:
- White to white (neutral)
- Black to black (hot)
- Ground wire to the green ground screw
- Replace the wiring compartment cover, ensuring everything is securely enclosed.
Step 6: Install the Exterior Vent
- Inspect the ductwork and fan blade to ensure everything is clean and rotates freely.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the exterior vent:
- Align the vent with the duct opening.
- Secure it with screws.
- Seal edges with weatherproof caulk to prevent leaks.
Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind
- Adjust for Wall Thickness: If your wall is thicker than 1½ inches, you may need a duct extension for proper installation.
- Maintain the Filter: Clean the grease filter regularly with soapy water. Replace it when it shows signs of wear.
- Choose the Right Bulbs: For 120VAC fan units, use a 40-watt (or lower) bulb. For 12VDC RV units, trade #912 or #921 bulbs are recommended. Always allow bulbs to cool before replacing them.
Range Hoods from Mobile Home Parts Store
Upgrading your kitchen? We’ve got you covered with vented range hood options that combine functionality, style, and easy installation—perfect for mobile homes. Check out these top picks:
Ventline 20″ Vented Range Hood
This compact and efficient range hood is perfect for smaller spaces. At 20 inches wide, it features a one-speed rocker fan switch and a separate light switch for added convenience. Its filtration system keeps your kitchen clean, while the dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter makes maintenance a breeze. Easy to install and attractive, it’s the ideal choice for fresh air and a tidy kitchen.
Ventline 42″ Vented Range Hood with Rectangular Outlet
Need more power and coverage? This 42-inch range hood offers a two-speed fan and a separate light switch for customized performance. With superior airflow at 160 CFM and sleek mitered sides, it combines practicality with a polished look. Plus, its durable aluminum grease filter and easy-to-clean design make it a standout addition to any mobile home kitchen.
Whatever your kitchen needs, Mobile Home Parts Store has the right solution to keep your air clean and your cooking experience enjoyable. Not sure which size or model works best? Our team is always here to help! Visit us today and take the first step toward a fresher, cleaner kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Installing a ducted mobile home kitchen exhaust fan might feel like a big project, but with the right prep and tools, you can absolutely tackle it. The payoff—better air quality, a cleaner kitchen, and a more enjoyable cooking experience—makes it totally worth the effort.
Whether you’ve been doing DIY projects for years or this is your first go, this guide has your back. And remember, using top-quality products makes all the difference. Check out Mobile Home Parts Store for everything you need to get the job done right. Here’s to cleaner air and a kitchen you’ll love!
Tags: Kitchen exhaust fan, mobile home exhaust fan, mobile home range hood, range hood