1990s hood on an old duct
Many 1990s kitchens still have the original hood on a small duct. We often replace both, so the new hood isn't held back by the old pipe.
Serving West Chicago & nearby Winfield, Carol Stream
Range Hood Installation in West Chicago, IL
We install under-cabinet, wall chimney, island and insert range hoods in West Chicago, ducted outside wherever the house allows.
- Installers working in West Chicago ZIP 60185
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Range hood installs we handle in West Chicago
Swapping a tired hood for a new one can be a short job, and adding a hood where there was none takes more planning. Either way, we work out in West Chicago where the duct can run, what the wiring needs and whether the village wants a permit, before you order.
Duct too small for the new hood
Many older hoods ran on a small round or rectangular duct. A stronger hood often calls for a larger duct, and squeezing it into the old one makes it loud and weak.
Swapping an over-the-range microwave for a hood
An over-the-range microwave is a weak ventilator. Replacing it with an under-cabinet or chimney hood is a common install for us.
Hood that vents into the attic or soffit
We sometimes find an old hood ending in the attic with no cap at all. The duct is carried through to the outdoors and fitted with a damper.
Custom hood cover that needs an insert
Wood or plaster hood covers need a liner or insert inside them. We install the insert, the duct and the wiring so the cover can be finished around it.
Island hood over a new island cooktop
Ventilating an island takes more planning than a wall hood: ceiling support, joist direction and the path out all decide where the hood can go.
Long duct run with many elbows
A duct that snakes across the ceiling to a far wall can starve even a strong fan. We look for a shorter path, sometimes straight up through the roof.
Old hood that only recirculates
Recirculating hoods filter the air and return it to the kitchen, so steam and cooking smells linger. We check whether a wall or roof path is possible and duct the new hood outside.
What the install includes
- Site check and sizingWe measure the cooktop, the space above it and the possible duct routes, then size the hood.
- Removing the old hoodPower off, old hood disconnected and taken down, the old duct inspected or removed.
- Blocking and mountingMounting points set at the height in the maker's instructions.
- Wall cap or roof jackThe duct ends outside under a damper that closes when the fan is off.
- Electrical connectionPower brought to the hood and connected per the maker's instructions.
- Recirculating setupDuctless installs get the maker's charcoal filter kit and a clear plan for replacing it.
- Test and cleanupWe run the hood, confirm the damper opens and closes, and haul away the old unit.
What to pick before the install
Island hoodsCeiling-hung hoods for cooktops in an island, usually wider than the cooking surface.
Internal and remote blowersA remote blower moves the motor away from the cooktop for a quieter hood.
Duct, caps and dampersRigid galvanized or stainless duct, wall caps and roof jacks with backdraft dampers.
Wall chimney hoodsWall-mounted hoods with a tall cover, often used where there is no cabinet above the range.
Ducted vs recirculatingDucted hoods send air outside; recirculating hoods filter it through charcoal and return it to the room.
What the work looks like in West Chicago homes
Before
Installed
DetailWest Chicago kitchen, 1990s two-story colonial: range hood installation
A 1990s two-story colonial in West Chicago, a typical kitchen for West Chicago. What we started with: white appliances and white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim. What bothered the owners most: cooking smells that stayed in the house for hours. The result: a new stainless chimney range hood ducted to the outside. The job covered blocking and mounting, recirculating setup, plus test and cleanup.
Before
AfterRange Hood Installation in a 1990s two-story colonial, Carol Stream
This one is a 1990s two-story colonial in Carol Stream. Before: black appliances and golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above. The main complaint was a recirculating hood that left the kitchen smoky. After: a new stainless chimney range hood ducted to the outside. The job covered site check and sizing, electrical connection, plus recirculating setup.
Range Hood Installation in Carol Stream →
Before
AfterKitchen Remodeling in a 1980s two-story, West Chicago
Cabinets in soft white with brushed nickel bar pulls, black honed granite counters, a white 2x8 tile in a vertical stack backsplash, gray wood-look porcelain plank flooring and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Remodeling in West Chicago →
Before
AfterWest Chicago kitchen, two-story colonial from the 1990s: kitchen cabinet painting
Finished: the same doors sprayed in deep navy, new brushed nickel bar pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in West Chicago →How the install goes
- Photos and modelSend photos of the range wall, the old hood and the cabinet above, plus the model you like.
- Duct route and sizingWe decide where the duct can run and which hood fits that route.
- Written estimateA clear written price with duct and electrical work listed separately.
- Install and testHood mounted, ducted and wired, then every speed tested and the damper checked.
Range Hood Installation questions from West Chicago homeowners
Who installs a range hood: a plumber, an electrician or a contractor?
Usually not a plumber. A hood install combines carpentry, ductwork and electrical work, which is what our crews handle, with an electrician for any new circuit.
Can I duct a hood outside in my West Chicago condo?
It depends on the building. We review the rules and the existing vent with you first.
What size range hood do I need?
Cover the full cooktop and size the fan to your range and duct. Island hoods usually need extra width.
Do I need a permit to install a range hood?
A straight swap on an existing duct often doesn't. A new duct through a wall or roof often needs a mechanical permit; we check with the village.
How many CFM does my range hood need?
We size airflow to your cooktop and your duct. Buying the biggest fan made rarely helps if the duct can't carry it.
West Chicago building permit for range hood installation: where do I apply?
Permits go through Community Development Department. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.
Do I need a West Chicago-registered contractor for range hood installation?
All contractors and subcontractors working in West Chicago must be registered with the City (insurance, licensing and bonding are checked). We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for range hood installation in West Chicago?
It depends on the scope. West Chicago's rule in short: West Chicago requires a building permit for certain home improvement and remodeling projects; the city publishes an Additions & Remodeling permit guide with a submittal checklist. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department.
Do you work in my part of West Chicago?
Yes. Our crews work across West Chicago — ZIP 60185 — and nearby Winfield, Carol Stream, St. Charles.
Working in West Chicago
- A lot of West Chicago kitchens date from the 1990s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most West Chicago homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Department handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60185
Range Hood Installation nearby
Other kitchen services in West Chicago
Range Hood RepairFans, motors, switches, lights and rattles on kitchen range hoods.
Oven, Range & Cooktop InstallationGas and electric ranges, wall ovens and cooktops, safely connected.
Kitchen Electrical WorkNew circuits and outlets for kitchen appliances.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.