How to Connect a Microwave Exhaust to the Outside

Over-the-range microwaves typically come with connections for venting the appliance to the outdoors. They also usually have an option to skip ventilation and use the blower to recirculate the air inside the home. Both options reduce smoke and steam, and prevent odor buildup. But a system that ventilates to the outdoors can remove larger amounts of the impurities introduced into the air from cooking. It's usually a more effective solution to reducing the amount of smoke, steam and odors in your kitchen.

Ductwork pieces
Duct tape

Instructions

- 1
  Connect a ductwork section to the exhaust adaptor on the microwave. The adaptor is usually located on the back or top of the microwave. The ductwork pieces and sizes vary with the configuration. The manufacturer may specify a few example configurations, but it largely varies with the space located between your home's wall and outside roof.
- 2
  Seal the exhaust duct section to the adaptor with duct tape. Tape along the bottom of the duct section and press the tape onto the adaptor.
- 3
  Place the rear wall template -- provided with the microwave -- against the wall where the microwave is being installed. The template outlines the position of brackets and where the wall should be cut for the exhaust.
- 4
  Cut the exhaust opening as outlined on the template on the wall with a drywall saw. Position the tip of the saw in one corner of the template. Push the saw slowly through the drywall. Move the saw carefully in and out of the drywall to penetrate it.
- 5
  Connect together as many pieces of ductwork as necessary to extend from the microwave to the outside roof cap. Use as many straight pieces as possible as opposed to elbows to allow for proper airflow and to prevent blockages. Seal the connected pieces together by wrapping duct tape around each seam.

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