How to Vent a Microwave On An Interior Wall – DIY Tips for Safe Ventilation
Suppose you’re planning to install an over-the-range microwave vent in your home. If you want to vent a microwave on an interior wall, you’ll have to deal with a much more difficult installation process. This makes it much more difficult to set up the ductwork required for venting the microwave towards the outside. Suppose you’re looking for a vent to be installed on a microwave installed on an inside wall. In that case, it is necessary to be able to join the appliance to the existing ductwork, should it be possible. If there’s no ductwork in the vicinity you can connect to, you’ll need to build a new set of vents and possibly the vent hole on your outside wall.
Venting a microwave through an interior wall is definitely an issue; however, you can do it yourself if you’ve got some knowledge of working on the ductwork in your home and are at ease with creating a few holes in the walls. This article will go through everything you must learn on how to vent a microwave on an interior wall. Additionally, we’ll walk you through how you can do it yourself.
Why vent a microwave
Before we go into venting the microwave from the walls inside, it is important to look at why it might be beneficial to vent a microwave first. If you own a microwave over the range, You’ll have to vent it to get rid of the moisture, smoke, and odors produced by cooking on the stovetop. If you don’t have a vented microwave, the kitchen will likely be more stable. It’s likely to become smokey and hazy when you cook. The kitchen’s surfaces will eventually be covered in grease, and the residual moisture could cause damage to your cabinets.
What is a self-venting microwave
Most modern microwave ovens use recirculating venting. This means that they circulate air into the kitchen typically after it passes through filters. Most modern microwaves are in this category. It is because it has an air-pumper that can push air out of the microwave and creates a vacuum that draws fresh air into it. This helps keep the entire thing cool enough to work. But it does mean that your kitchen may smell exactly like whatever you are baking or microwaving.
How to vent a microwave on an interior wall
Venting microwaves to an interior wall typically requires the installation of a vent pipe. This can vent to central ventilation or connect with the ventilation of the range hood according to the kitchen you have. Most of the time, installing an air vent and connecting it to the existing system is straightforward. Follow the below methods to vent a microwave on an interior wall.
Create the space
For venting your microwave to an interior wall, first look at the ductwork layout you have currently. Determine which route your venting air will take. Find the most difficult path that is the most straight and direct route for moisture and air to reach the outside. Once you’ve identified your microwave place, Use the template to indicate exactly where the holes and the brackets are going to be.
Stop the power
Switch off the power source for the microwave and the kitchen circuit. Don’t connect the microwave to the outlet.
Install ductwork
Suppose you need to alter or create new ductwork to vent your microwave properly. In that case, You must complete this before installing and operating the microwave. Install the ductwork as well as the needed vent cap. Make sure to join the ductwork pieces using sheet metal screws. Then, join the seams with metallic tape to guarantee a secure and solid fitting.
If you’re venting to the exterior from your roof, ensure that you close the vent’s edges with caulk or sealant and ensure that the shingles are securely affixed to the vent’s exit. This will stop water and leaks from getting into your roof.
Install and prepare your microwave
Once the ductwork has been installed, you can drill the holes in the bracket with the template and mount the microwave. Make a hole in the top of the upper cabinet to flow through an electrical cord.
Get your new vent ready
It is now time to make the vent. Suppose you have an existing air recirculation exhaust in the microwave you have. It could be necessary to rotate the exhaust around 90 degrees to direct the air towards the vent. If not, an exhaust adapter might need. There may be adaptors to insert an exhaust round into square ductwork.
Test your vent
When you complete the microwave installation and ready, check the vent. Switch on the power to the microwave circuit and connect the microwave to the outlet. Place the glass of water in the microwave to try a test run to check that the air vents properly towards the outside. Do not run the microwave empty since it can cause damage to the appliance.
How to vent a microwave on an interior wall: Important reasons
If you’re thinking of exhausting the microwave in your home, you have a lot of reasons it could be needed. The following four are the most frequent.
Removal of food smells
Recirculating microwaves could cause food smells that build up. This can create problems for people who have sensitivities to smell. If you simply would like your kitchen to smell fresh, venting can be helpful. The most important thing is when you own a combi-oven, this will be even more. Recirculating microwave ovens release hot air from the vents and the kitchen while sucking fresh air. The air is forced through a filter; however, your home will smell like something microwaved. In some instances, it’s a very negative thing.
Heating management
If you’re looking to reduce your cooling costs, lower venting your microwave outdoors can be beneficial. This is especially the case if you’re using it for a long time. This is particularly important if you are using a combi oven.
Preventing moisture buildup
If you are installing your oven in a cabinet, it is essential to include ventilation. If not, the airflow can create condensation. Why? The air that exits the microwave is much warmer than the air inside the microwave. It can condense and cause water buildup. Vents will ensure that your cabinet is dry.
Setting up an over-the-range microwave
Over-the-Range microwaves are outdated but are still in use in lots of stores. If you decide to purchase one, it meant to use in place of the range hood on the stove. This lets you save the space you have in your kitchen by transferring the microwave to the stove. The range-hood microwave has ventilation at the back, allowing air to flow through and perform the same role as a range hood. Most importantly, it must connect to any ventilation device in place of the range hood. If you do not have one vent, you’ll have to build vents and vent them outside.
Local building codes
Installing the microwave in your range hood may be governed by local laws. For instance, U.S. building codes oblige you to vent kitchen exhaust outdoors. If you’re using an oven or range hood over the stove, it’s kitchen exhaust. You may need to put in ventilation to ensure compliance with the building code. It is crucial for safety as the recirculation of kitchen exhaust could cause hazardous emissions. It is also important to sell your home because it’s difficult to do since your kitchen doesn’t conform to the standards.
Conclusion
Most microwaves don’t require venting. Venting is through an inside wall is just a procedure of connecting the duct pipe through the nearest exterior wall if it has venting. You can also route the duct pipe along the wall until it reaches the central air vent. We hope now you learn about how to vent a microwave on an interior wall.
