DIY installation: Rangehoods

Tired of smelling the sausages you ate last Tuesday for the best part of the following week? You obviously need a range hood.

A range hood circulates air above your hotplates to ensure unwanted kitchen cooking smells and oils are not left to blow into your face while you're cooking, and linger in the air for weeks to come. A range hood is a necessity in any kitchen with a hot plate and it is possible to install your own range hood if you follow a few easy steps.

How to install your own range hood

• Buy a range hood that fits comfortably above your hot plates. If you have a gas cooker, you may require a much wider range hood. A professional electrician will need to be appointed if you are wishing to pipe your range hood through the ceiling and outside. It is not recommended you try this installation at home, however, a simple straight forward air circulating range hood with a filter can easily be fitted as a DIY project.

• Fit the filter - The most important part of your range hood is your filter. This is usually a small paper-based device that you will need to replace several times over the life of your range hood. After 3-6 months of usage you will check the filter to find it may be filled with oils, and other cooking excrements - depending on the amount of times you have used the air extraction device on your range hood.

• Screw the range hood into the space arranged. You may have had to create the space yourself at the bottom of a cupboard. If you are screwing straight into the cupboard's base, take all items out first, and ensure the base is thick enough to withstand a screw. If not, you may need to screw in an additional base - usually these can be purchased cheaply in a wooden laminate from home improvement retailers. Place the range hood in the desired space and fit the 4-6 easy screws into place - using a cordless drill is usually the best option. Get a friend to hold the range hood tightly into place while you carefully screw it in.

• Thread the electrical cord safely to the nearest power point. You may require an extension cord to do this. Either way, ensure the cord is always secured in place firmly with tape or hinges.

• Switch on the power point and test out the device. A new range hood should have come complete with a light bulb already attached, so test that the light and air extractor works when the power point is turned on. If at any stage you feel you need to appoint the help of an electrician or qualified fitter, be sure to consult a professional.