10/08/2026
Can this duct transition be lowered, or am I stuck with a gap behind my range?
We’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel, and our HVAC contractor recently installed ductwork for our new range hood.
The duct runs down the wall behind our 36” gas range and transitions into the crawl space. However, there’s a load-bearing beam directly below the wall, so the contractor couldn’t run the duct straight down. Instead, he installed a transition that protrudes approximately 3” from the wall to get around the beam.
The problem is that the transition sits too high and may prevent our range from sitting flush against the wall.
Our range has a recessed area at the bottom of the back that’s approximately 8” high and 2” deep (still confirming exact dimensions).
My main question: Could the contractor simply lower the transition so the protruding section sits within the recessed area behind the range?
For example, if he could lower the top of the transition to approximately 6” above the finished floor, would that be a reasonable solution? I understand the 3” projection may still be an issue with a 2” recess.
Unfortunately, I don’t think the contractor reviewed the range specifications I provided before installing the ductwork. I’m planning to ask him to come back and make adjustments.
How involved would this modification be? Is lowering the transition a relatively straightforward adjustment, or would it require rebuilding a significant portion of the ductwork? Are there any technical or structural reasons it couldn’t be installed lower?
I’m trying to understand how reasonable this request is, especially since I provided the appliance specifications before installation.
