Kenmore Microhood Installation

Determine the route for running the ductwork between two studs. Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall. The vent pipe must exit horizontally through an outside wall or vertically through the roof. Plan the route so that it is free of obstructions, such as plumbing pipe, electrical conduits or wood fire blocks. Many people choose the horizontal installation method to make the project easier.

Keep the vent run as short as possible; don't make it longer than 140 feet. Maintain the same duct size throughout the installation. Minimize the number of elbows installed in the run. Do not join two elbows together because bends and turns in the ductwork reduce the efficiency of the system. Seal all connections with duct tape. Apply caulk around the exterior wall or roof opening to prevent moisture penetration.

Disconnect the blower unit from the microwave oven. Use a screwdriver to remove one mounting screw and two blower-plate screws. Detach the blower plate and lift the blower from the microwave cabinet. Remove the blower wire from the connector.

Use tin snips to remove knockout from the back plate. The knockouts are the tin discs that cover the opening for the wires. Turn the unit to point the exhaust openings to the rear of the microwave cabinet. Connect the blower wire to the connector. Reconnect the blower plate in its original position; replace the screws.

Mark the center line for the unit on the wall. Mark the stud location on each side of the center line. Ensure the installation area has the minimum width required for your microhood. Line the center of the mounting plate up with the center line on the wall. Make the vertical measurement, from the top of the mounting plate to the cook top, at least 30 inches.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the upper-cabinet template. This component fits under the bottom of the cabinet above the cook top; trim the template if necessary to fit the template in a recessed frame.

Secure the template in place. Position the blower unit back in the cabinet. Make sure the exhaust opening faces the back of the cabinet. Connect the blower plate back into its original position. Consult the installation instructions for drilling or cutting out the openings for the power supply cord and the vent pipe. Connect the microwave oven.