How to install exhaust fan in kitchen
The kitchen is, without a doubt, prone to encounter moisture problems due to the heat involved during the cooking process. Almost all kitchen appliances produce heat which fills up the entire room and combines with the moisture in the air.
This combination usually condenses and turns back to water once it comes into contact with the ceiling and cooler walls. To deal with this problem you need to install an exhaust fan. The big question now becomes how to install exhaust fan in the kitchen.
Most modern kitchens are constructed with the exhaust fan neatly integrated on the ceiling to help with the moisture problems and unpleasant smells. If you find yourself living in the old style homes, then you will have to install a kitchen exhaust fan. You do not need to hire professionals since you can do it by yourself with ease. Ensure, however, that you purchase the exhaust fan from an authorized dealer to receive quality products at a reasonable price. This step by step tutorial will take you through the entire process of installing an exhaust fan in your kitchen.
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Turn off the power
When dealing with any electrical appliance, it is important that you first turn off the power. Electricity is very dangerous and could lead to serious injuries or even death when handled poorly. Switch off the main power supply before you begin following any of the steps below. After all, kitchen exhaust fans take at most a couple of hours to install.
Establish where on the ceiling you will need the exhaust hole
You need to plan exactly where on the ceiling you would like the exhaust hole to be and it has to be preferably between the joists. The exhaust pipe will fit through the hole that you will create and it, therefore, needs to be an exact fit. It is advisable to use a stud finder to help you locate the correct place that is safe for cutting on your ceiling. Once you find the perfect location, use your drywall saw and push the tip through the drywall of the ceiling. The saw blade will be visible from the attic and you can then proceed to remove any insulation around it.
Insert the vent pipe
You should then proceed to hold up your vent pipe right where you inserted the saw blade and press it against the ceiling. This will make it easy for you to draw a circle around the vent pipe edge using a sharp pencil. Use the drywall saw to keenly cut the circle out before proceeding to insert the vent pipe in the hole created.
Attach a four-inch duct elbow
You need to go to the crawlspace or attic and fix a 4-inch duct elbow to the freshly cut exhaust port. During the attachment procedure, be sure to use foil duct tape which will ensure the seam is properly secured. Feel free to use a flashlight should there be insufficient light in the attic or crawlspace since you want the job done neatly.
Attach vent fan
Attach the cable connector to your fan housing before putting your brackets and new vent fan into the hole you created. The brackets need to be firmly attached with screws to the nearby ceiling joist. Ensure that the cable properly passes through the cable connector. Ensure that you attach the vent fan properly and securely. You must take your time during this stage to reduce any future complications from happening.
Cut exhaust hole
You need to cut an exhaust hole on the attic wall. This hole should be as close as possible to the vent fan already put in the ceiling. It should also be placed somewhere between the exterior wall joists. The best equipment for this job would be a cordless drill with a narrow bit. Leave the bit in position after it has successfully penetrated to the outside space. This will help you easily identify where exactly on the exterior wall to cut a hole.
Attach connector duct
Now, you need to attach on the wall cap what is referred to the connector duct. Then you can proceed to insert the wall cap slowly through the hole in the exterior wall. You can then go on to add a rubber gasket and ensure that you use silicone to seal the edges during this procedure. Use screws to firmly put the cap into position on the interior wall surface. Now use foil duct tape to connect the wall cap to the exhaust duct end.
Wiring
All you need to do now is connect all the necessary wiring to your newly installed kitchen fan. Proceed to attach the fan’s front grill and everything should look just perfect. Turn the power back on, switch the fan on, and test your new kitchen fan.
Exhaust fan mistakes to avoid
Before buying the exhaust fan and beginning the installation process, there are few mistakes that you should avoid.
First, buying a small fan which is unable to adequately service your kitchen. Fan manufacturers usually have a sizing chart which helps you pick out a fan size according to the size of your kitchen. A small exhaust fan in a large kitchen will be unpractical and it will not be able to adequately deal with the generated moisture.
Second, using small or unsealed vent pipes. The main objective of the exhaust fan is to get rid of unpleasant smells and moisture. When the vent pipe is too small, then the amount of moisture expelled will also be less. This means that you will be unable to get rid of all the moisture. If the vent pipe is not sealed, then the moisture will flow back to the kitchen and the exhaust fan will be of no use.
Conclusion
Every modern kitchen needs an exhaust fan to ensure the kitchen is kept clean, mold-free, and odorless. Once you follow this step by step guide on how to install exhaust fan in kitchen, then you could easily do it by yourself at home.
