Indian kitchens produce most of fumes and oil as we love to eat different spices and add some “tadka” to our foods. That’s why a kitchen chimney is excellent for Indian kitchens, as it effectively sucks out the gases and fumes.
And installing a kitchen chimney is not rocket science, instead quite simple. But you will have to own a kitchen chimney to install it.
So if you have done the former (obviously purchasing chimney in India), leave the latter, i.e installation part, to us.
However, remember that every chimney has its own installation guide and tools along with detailed instructions, so make sure that you are referring to it.
So ready when you are — let’s get started, this is exhilarating — get excited.
1. Safety First
Like anything else in life, safety should be our top priority in whatever we plan to do.
So make sure that you have your safety gear on before going and dealing with the chimney.
- Ensure that you are wearing gloves — especially rubber gloves. Since they are non-conductors, they would really come in handy with a short-circuit situation.
- Before you start anything else, ensure that you switch off the power supply.
- Ensure that the wires you are touching are not live wires. Before touching them, test them.
- If you find yourself in a bit of a predicament, don’t hesitate to contact a professional and let them do the job.
2. Tools Required
Here are some tools that you might need while installing your chimney, so make sure that you are ready with them beforehand; it will save you a ton of vexation.
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Marker/pen
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Note:- You will get some additional tools with your chimney; make sure that you keep them along as they can prove to be handy. Ensure that you’ve checked the box properly.
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3. Installing the Chimney
Now that you are all good to go, let’s get started with the installation part.
Again, you will have detailed instructions on the installation manual for your specific chimney, so tag it along and keep reading it. You might just successfully install the chimney by reading the manual itself — who knows?
If you already have an old chimney installed, you will not have to go through a ton of work — that’s a blessing.
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Clearance and Height
First of all, you will need to ensure that the chimney you plan to install deals with all the cooking fumes and hot gases.
The best way to ensure that is by facilitating clearance of 20 to 30 inches above your cooking range.
The height will decide the efficiency of your chimney between your cooktop and chimney. If you install it too close, it might end up catching fire. On the flip side, if you install it too high, it will suck all the dirt along with fresh air.
For ideal range, you can install a chimney between 20 to 30 inches. That said, your installation manual will contain the recommended height, so make sure to follow that.
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Electrical Connections
Make sure that you are ready with all the electrical connections before you start with the installation. In case the wires are not long, add more and ensure that they are jutting at least 15 inches from the wall.
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Check the Wiring on your Chimney
Your installation manual will contain detailed instructions about the wiring for your specific chimney model. To check the wiring out, all you have to do is turn the chimney and remove the bottom panel. However, ensure that you are cross-checking it with your installation manual.
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Attach the Hood
With some products, you might not have to join the spigot, while in some, you might. If your chimney happens to be a single piece, you don’t have to worry about joining the two parts.
You can use the provided screws to attach the hood. Some models might come with 3 screws, while others may come with 4 screws. It all depends on the manufacturer and the company you have selected.
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Fixing the Hood
You will need to mark spots on the wall to ensure the precise placement of your hood. While doing so, you might need additional help to mark the holes.
Once you have marked on the wall, you have to drill and drive the screws into respective locations.
After that, place the hood on them.
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Aligning the Vent
Before you go and mount screws and place your chimney, you will need to make sure that the alignment of the vent resonates with the ductwork of your kitchen.
Once you are sure that everything is good to go, mount the screws.
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Wiring
Last but not least, you will need to ensure that you get the wiring right so that you don’t have to face troubles while operating the chimney.
If you have followed the protruding wire step from the wall, you will have to connect the black and white wires.
You will have to open up the kitchen chimney, and you will see a black wire with the fan and a white with light.
Connecting the fan is the central part here; as for the light, it is optional; if you don’t connect, it is still good as it saves power.
4. Start the Chimney
Now that you are all set and good to go, start the chimney before start cooking anything.
Make sure that you are turning the chimney on for at least 5 minutes after installation.
Once done, enjoy the smoke-less kitchen and bliss experience.
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To conclude
You see, installing the kitchen chimney is not so hard after all. On the off chance that you messed it up, call in the professional to do the bidding.
If you are stuck at some particular part, don’t forget to watch a video — as a YouTube video can help a lot more than some thousand words.
Leave a comment if you got any queries.