Upgrade Your Kitchen With a New Range Hood Installation

Is your KitchenAire range hood noisy, greasy, and no longer effectively ventilating your kitchen? Upgrading to a new range hood can transform your kitchen's airflow for the better.

Replacing an outdated or underpowered range hood with a new one delivers major benefits that make a difference you can truly feel. Read on to learn why a new range hood matters, how to choose the best model, steps for removing the old hood and installing the new one, maintenance tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why Replacing Your Range Hood Matters

When a KitchenAire range hood is outdated or insufficient, replacing it with a powerful new hood improves kitchen air quality in key ways:

• Enhances kitchen ventilation to eliminate grease, odors, humidity, and heat
• Increases airflow efficiency to keep air circulating
• Reduces noise from an old, rattling hood
• Updates the look of your kitchen with a new modern hood

Without effective ventilation capturing cooking grease and smells, your KitchenAire range hood allows lingering odors, grease buildup, high humidity, and heat to remain in your kitchen. This irritates senses and can cause damage over time.

A new, correctly sized range hood clears the air by maximizing kitchen ventilation. Key factors like ducting, fans, filters, and airflow combine to quietly and thoroughly remove contaminated air.

When To Replace Your Current Range Hood

Here are signs it's time to replace your KitchenAire range hood:

• Age and deteriorating condition
• Too weak CFM rating for your kitchen's size
• Loud rattling noise from the fan
• Insufficient ventilation for your cooking needs
• Excess grease buildup on filters and interior
• Range hood no longer turns on or functions properly

Generally, you should replace a range hood every 10-15 years as efficiency declines with age. An underpowered, dated hood prevents proper ventilation.

Choosing the Best New Range Hood

Selecting the right replacement range hood for your KitchenAire model involves factoring in:

Type of Hood

Decide if you need:

• Under-cabinet or wall-chimney mount
• Ducted to vent outside, or ductless/recirculating
• Properly sized width to fit your stove/cooktop width

Airflow and CFM

Higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings efficiently remove contaminants. Consider:

• Higher CFM for larger kitchens
• Matching CFM to stove BTU output
• Mounted height from cooktop

Your new hood should move 100 CFM more than your cooktop's BTU output.

Features

Look for:

• Baffle/mesh filters to catch grease
• LED lights to illuminate cooking area
• Enough exhaust openings for airflow
• Preferred ducted or recirculating method
• Durable stainless steel or other material
• Visually appealing style

Noise Level

Quieter fans enhance the kitchen experience:

• Seek decibel levels under 65 dB
• Lower sones ratings mean quieter fans

Removing the Old Range Hood

Taking down your outdated KitchenAire range hood involves:

Turn Off Power Supply

Locate the correct circuit breaker in the electrical panel. Shut off power to avoid electrical hazards.

Detach Ductwork and Wiring

Disconnect and remove any ductwork venting to the outside. Detach the electrical wiring.

Remove Mounting Screws

Remove all mounting screws or brackets securing the hood in place. Carefully detach it from the wall or cabinet.

Patch Up Wall or Cabinet

Caulk or paint any holes or uneven surfaces left behind. Replace cabinet panels as needed.

Installing the New Range Hood

Installing a new range hood involves:

Prepare Electrical and Ductwork

Install any needed electrical modifications. Set up the ductwork pathway to vent outside.

Securely Mount New Hood

Attach the mounting brackets to the wall or cabinet. Ensure the hood is level and firmly secured.

Connect Ductwork

Attach the ducting to the new hood's exhaust outlet. Maximize straight ductwork runs to improve airflow.

Confirm Proper Operation

Test all lights and fan speeds. Check for air leaks indicating improper duct connections.

Performing Regular Maintenance

To keep your new range hood working its best:

Cleaning Baffle Filters

Regularly clean grease from baffle filters with soap/water or a degreaser. Follow manufacturer guidelines.

Checking Ductwork

Inspect ducting annually for any leaks or blockages that reduce airflow.

Replacing Filters

Replace filters every 6-12 months depending on usage. Consult manufacturer recommendations.

FAQs About Replacing Range Hoods

Here are answers to common questions on replacing KitchenAire range hoods:

What's the cost of a replacement?

Cost ranges from $100 - $1000 depending on features. Consider it an investment in your kitchen.

Should I DIY or hire a pro?

If you're handy, it's a DIY job. But for complex wiring or ductwork, hire a professional.

How do I determine the right CFM?

Match CFM to kitchen size and stove BTU output. Greater hood to cooktop distance needs higher CFM.

What's required for installing ductwork?

You'll need to determine duct routing, acquire materials, and properly connect ducts to the outdoors.

Are electrical modifications needed?

Usually you can directly connect to existing wiring. Upgrades may be needed for higher voltage hoods.

Check for duct leaks, wiring faults, or CFM mismatches. Thoroughly troubleshoot or call a professional.

Upgrading to a new and more powerful range hood can completely transform your KitchenAire ventilation for the better. With some planning and effort, you can successfully replace your outdated hood and enjoy cleaner kitchen air.