Should You Vent Your Microwave Range Hood Outdoors? Here's Why
If you've recently installed or upgraded to an over-the-range microwave, you may be wondering if you should connect its ventilation system to the outdoors. Exterior venting eliminates cooking odors, moisture, and other airborne particles from your home more effectively than recirculating range hoods. However, installing an exterior vent system can increase costs and complexity. Below, we'll explore the pros and cons to help you decide if outdoor microwave range hood venting is right for your needs.
What Does Exterior Range Hood Venting Mean?
Range hood venting refers to the system used to eliminate contaminants emitted from a stove or cooktop under a mounted microwave. Rather than filtering and recirculating this air back into the kitchen, exterior venting ejects it completely outside of the house through ductwork running from the range hood to the outdoors.
Ducted Vents
Ducted range hoods connect via ductwork through ceilings, walls, or soffits to an external vent or rooftop cap that allows the air to exit. While effective, installing new ducts can require extensive in-wall construction.
Ductless Vents
Ductless range hoods feature integrated ventilation combined with carbon filters to clean and recirculate some air. However, the external vents still enable robust outward airflow.
Why Choose Exterior Venting for an Over-The-Range Microwave?
There are several compelling reasons to vent your new microwave range hood to the exterior.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
Exterior venting removes smoke, fumes, moisture, and other airborne contaminants created through cooking. Ductless filters cannot match the air purification effectiveness of ejecting these particles outside.
Odor Elimination
Without proper ventilation, cooking odors tend to linger. For small, enclosed kitchens, this can make the entire home smell like last night's dinner. Exterior venting whisks away uncomfortable odors entirely.
Prevents Mold Growth
Lingering moisture and high humidity contribute to increased mold growth over time, degrading indoor air quality and surfaces. Venting emissions outside instead keeps kitchen moisture levels lower.
Environmental Benefits
Although exterior venting has higher upfront costs, it provides environmental benefits. Venting cooking byproducts like smoke outside reduces household pollution emissions.
What Are the Downsides of Exterior Microwave Venting?
Exterior venting also has some potential drawbacks to consider.
Increased Upfront Costs
Professionally installing new ducting and exterior vents can cost $1,000 or more depending on your home's layout. Complex routes require greater material and labor expenses.
HVAC Imbalances
Continually ejecting air outside can potentially cause positive or negative pressure imbalances with your home's HVAC system. This requires adjustments to balance airflow.
Higher Noise Levels
Inline blowers and exterior rooftop vents increase hood ventilation noise compared to ductless recirculating models. Strategic placement and insulation help muffle these sounds.
Key Steps for Installation
If you decide to vent your over-the-range microwave outside, ensure the job is done right by following these steps:
- Hire an HVAC technician to evaluate optimal ducting routes
- Carefully select rated CFM blowers and sufficient duct diameters
- Use a professional installer to cut duct routes with minimal demolition
- Weatherproof external wall and rooftop vent terminals thoroughly
Although exterior venting has higher installation complexity and costs, for most homeowners, the benefits outweigh these factors. Carefully consider your goals, budget, and kitchen needs when deciding if venting your new over-the-range microwave to the outdoors makes sense.