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An externally vented microwave uses a fan to draw air through the microwave’s vents and into an exhaust duct leading to the exterior of the building, which means that most of the moisture, heat, odor and particulate matter generated by cooking goes directly outside.
What does the fan on the microwave do?
How and when should I use the ventilation fan on my over-the-range microwave? If the temperature from the range or cooktop gets too hot, the vent fan will turn on automatically to protect the oven. It may stay on for up to an hour.
Do I need to vent my microwave?
Yes, microwave ovens need ventilation. However, the venting needs differ according to the model and design. Proper clearance and ventilation are necessary for efficient operation and safety reasons. Adequate external ventilation is a must for microwave ovens without built-in ventilation systems.
Can you use a vented microwave without the vent?
There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.
How do I know if my microwave vent is working?
You can tell if it’s the case by going outside and looking at the wall to see if there’s a wall cap. This allows the escape or exit of vented air from the kitchen. Naturally, the range hood probably won’t be vented outdoors if it isn’t mounted on an outside wall.
Can you leave microwave fan on overnight?
You shouldn’t leave your fan on for more than one to two hours while cooking. Most meals in the kitchen should take less than that to prepare. The longer you want to run your hood, the more power you’ll need to vent out all the smoke and cooking fumes. In short, you should only turn your exhaust fan on while cooking.
Do all microwaves have a cooling fan?
Since the metal walls have some resistance, most microwave ovens include cooling fans to cool down the microwave source and possibly also the metal walls so that heat deposited in the walls will not damage the oven.
Do Over range microwaves have vents?
Over-the-range microwaves install above your range or cooktop in place of a range hood. Different venting options: External venting sends the smoke through an outside exhaust vent, whereas a recirculating venting microwave pulls air through a charcoal filter then vents it back into the house.
How do I know if my microwave vents are outside?
Lower the front of the microwave and have a look over the top, under the cabinet. The unit will be supported at the lower rear by a bracket flange. Your microwave’s vent either exhausts upward or rearward, but from right at the top rear of the unit. You’ll be able to see whether there’s a duct opening at that location.
Where are the vents on a microwave?
For an external exhaust the vent is located on the back of the top of the microwave to vent out the roof. If you are venting back into the room it appears to come out of the top at the front.
Are all microwave vents the same?
Microwaves are shipped from the factory to vent out the top (vertically) but can also be vented out the rear (horizontally). The duct must be the sizes listed above for proper draw of air. Both smaller and larger vents than recommended decrease venting performance. Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work.
How much does it cost to vent a microwave outside?
If a vent installation is required, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $500, depending on the complexity of the project.
Are ventless hoods any good?
Unvented range hoods do filter some grease and cooking odors from the air, but the general consensus is that they’re nowhere near as effective. Nor do they remove heat and humidity, so they won’t help keep your kitchen cool while you cook.
How do you clean a microwave vent?
To clean the vent, I sprayed a white terry cloth rag with Krud Kutter and wiped the dust away. Once that’s clean, grab the screws from the cupboard and replace the grill! The other place that often gets overlooked is underneath the microwave.
Do fans cause house fires?
— If you’re using a fan to stay cool in these hot temps, be warned, they can be a fire hazard! A Consumer Product Safety Commission report says electrical fans were associated with 20,000 structure fires in an 8-year period. Chief Willis says problems arise when fan motors get over heated. And that can start a fire.
Are you supposed to shower with the fan on?
You should turn on the fan as soon as you turn on the shower or bath water. Additionally, leave the fan on for about 20 minutes after you’re finished bathing. This will help keep your bathroom free of moisture and mold.
Is it okay to run a fan all night?
You can safely run an electric fan (including all night), but it’s not recommended while you’re gone for long periods of time. Fans are generally very reliable but it’s a safe practice to turn off electrical appliances while they’re unattended for long periods of time.
How long can you run a microwave fan?
They don’t explode, but the magnetron that provides the actual microwaves is a type of thermionic valve that has finite life. It will provide gradually lower and lower power, and eventually will stop working altogether. They usually allow about 2,000 hours of normal use.
