I just moved into a new home with an open floor plan and currently have an Over-the-Range microwave that recirculates air, but it's not doing the job. I want to install a proper vent that leads outside, but I'm stuck figuring out how to make that happen since there's no easy exterior wall behind my stove. The wall goes into the dining room, and on the right side, there's a garage with our bedroom above it. I'm considering venting it out through the garage, maybe all the way to the garage roof. Is this a safe and practical option? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
4 Answers
First things first, check the direction of the ceiling joists—they'll help you figure out which way you can run your duct. You can do this with a stud finder, or if you're comfortable, take off a light fixture and peek in there. Also, do you have an overhang or soffit around your house? That might open up more options for venting your stove directly outside instead of through the garage.
I’m in a similar boat! I need to replace my stove, and I’m determined to vent my hood outside. My place has some tall trusses between floors, so I plan to route it parallel to those and vent it through the exterior wall. Should work out great!
Are you sitting on a slab foundation or do you have a basement?
Have you thought about going through the roof? Might be easier than running it through the garage!
No slab here—I think there’s a basement underneath me!