A kitchen chimney can be a boon. Sucking out stale air, removing fumes and air-borne grease particles, it takes out what’s bad and leaves you with what’s good! If you’re thinking about installing or replacing one, read the tips below.
Who will do the installation? That will depend on the work to be done and how you feel about DIY and home improvements using construction tools.
Type of Installation
Kitchen chimneys come in two main varieties. The first kind recycles air. It may be wall-mounted above your cooker or fixed to the underside of a kitchen cabinet. The second blows air from your kitchen through a duct that leads to the exterior. Check to see what the manufacturer specifies for the type of ducting required. If you install yourself, a drill, planer and table saw may come in handy.
Manufacturer’s Instructions
Whether you have the construction tools to do the installation yourself or want a professional do it, following the instructions is important for having a kitchen chimney that works correctly and for the manufacturer’s warranty to be valid afterwards. Make sure you keep all the documentation that was supplied with your chimney.
Tools for the Job
If you do the installation yourself, always use the correct construction tools. Don’t hit screws with a hammer! And use the right-size screwdrivers, spanners and other tools in each case. Protect the surfaces around and below the installation so that you don’t scratch or damage them. Also, get a friend to help you! It’s handy (or even essential) to have a second pair of hands for holding the chimney in place while you drill a hole, tighten screws, etc.
Safety First
Kitchen chimneys need electricity to work. The power supply must have the correct rating and the kitchen chimney must be grounded according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When working with electrical installations, turn off the electricity before you handle wiring and connections. Only switch it back on after you have completed the installation and are ready to test correct operation.
Ask people who already have a chimney how the installation was done and with which construction tools. If they used outside help, ask them if they would recommend an installer to you. In particular, if your electrical installation needs to be changed or if your kitchen chimney is a large unit, using a professional’s services may be a good choice.
