boaterbob
join:2005-08-01
Moncks Corner, SC
| Converting over-range microwave to exhaust hood
I have an over-the-range GE Advantium microwave oven. I would like to remove the microwave and install a range exhaust hood. I realize I will need to add some duct work thru the cabinets, up the outside of the kitchen wall and thru the attic. Of paramount importance is that the thing be *QUITE*!! No roaring fan noise like a turboprop plane during takeoff!
One option would be simply to use something like this:
»www.broan.com/display/router.asp···D=100538
The mentioned Broan model has a Sone of .3 (very very quite)at low fan speed, a Sone of 3 (probably acceptable) at high fan speed but a Sone of 8.5 at 'Turbo Boost' speed.
My other thought is to buy a range hood with washable filters and under hood lights. Then run the exhaust the same as above, but get a Broan low Sone exhaust motor (1 to 2 Sone rating)and install it in-line in the attic but with speed controls in the kitchen near the hood. Along with a quite fan, this approach would also keep the fan noise in the attic.
Question, on a single story house, would a roof mount or wall mount exhaust be best. My preference would be for a wall (or soffit) exit for the exhaust. Also, I am thinking that a 45 degree elbow, then a short straight run, then another 45 degree (if needed) would allow for better air (exhaust) flow??
Has anyone else done this type of conversion?
I would replace the existing microwave with a counter top model - maybe trade the Advantium (6 months old) to the remodeling craftsman for a reduce install fee.
Robert |
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dandelion
Premium,MVM
join:2003-04-29
clubs:
 ·Comcast
edit:
September 8th, @09:14AM
| I am sure you will get more knowledgeable answers to your exact question, but are you sure you want to exhaust it? My thinking...it is just another place likely to have a leak. I have had an exhaust fan in my kitchen since moved in, and I can think of only twice in a few years, I wished it exhausted to the outside...opening windows along with the fan however worked well as an alternative. |
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GroovyPhoenx
join:2006-05-22
Gloucester, ON
·Rogers Hi-Speed
edit:
September 8th, @10:37AM
| reply to boaterbob
said by boaterbob  :Question, on a single story house, would a roof mount or wall mount exhaust be best. My preference would be for a wall (or soffit) exit for the exhaust. Also, I am thinking that a 45 degree elbow, then a short straight run, then another 45 degree (if needed) would allow for better air (exhaust) flow?? In my experience, the least amount of elbows and turns and twists in a pipe the better the flow (be it water or air) if it doesn't have a battle it will always work better.
Just my take on this. But I'd agree with what you just stated yes. |
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HarryH3
join:2005-02-21
Georgetown, TX
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| reply to boaterbob
Another option may be to exhaust your current microwave outside. Most have an optional kit you can purchase that converts it to an exterior exhaust. That will make it much quieter.
The absolute quietest way to go is with an exhaust system that mounts the blower up in the attic, but they tend to be pretty expensive. |
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asjamias
join:2003-11-20
Memphis, TN
·RoadRunner Cable
 ·Time Warner VOIP
·RoadRunner Cable
·AT&T Southeast
| said by HarryH3 :Another option may be to exhaust your current microwave outside. Most have an optional kit you can purchase that converts it to an exterior exhaust. That will make it much quieter. venting out a microwave is almost futile since the motors on those are only half of what a real venthood has, which starts at 350cfm and go up to 600 or more. |
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mattmag
Premium,ExMod 2000-03
join:2000-04-09
NW Illinois
clubs:
·Mediacom
| said by asjamias :venting out a microwave is almost futile since the motors on those are only half of what a real venthood has, which starts at 350cfm and go up to 600 or more. I would have to say that is false. I have a GE microwave with the vent to the outside, and it does an excellent job. So good as a matter of fact, I had to install a fresh-air makeup port to the outside as it was drawing air so strongly back down the flue for the furnace. |
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robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
| reply to asjamias
The Advantium is 300 cfm. My sister has one and it is vented through the roof and is not excessively noisy. It does a good job of venting the odors and keeping the kitchen clean. If the OPs unit is not vented then it would be extremely noisy. My suggestion would be to properly vent it outside. |
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boaterbob
join:2005-08-01
Moncks Corner, SC
| 'robbin' you said your sister's Advantium is not excessively noisy as it is vented to the outside.
Mine is not vented and it is so noisy that the fan never gets turned on. Of course, the existing fan simply pulls air from the bottom of the microwave and blows it out the top/front of the microwave. Even a "filter" kit is extra for this unit.
So, have you personally heard the Advantium with, and without, external venting? I had not considered venting the Advantium - but could if truly, the fan noise is much quieter.
Thanks |
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robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
edit:
September 10th, @12:19AM
| No -- I converted my sisters to outside venting before I installed it. I did stretch the truth a little. In fact, her's is vented into the garage. I still have work to do to get it through the roof. It is very noisy out there with it running. She lives about 400 miles from me so I can't listen to it tonight. However I will be up there in October and can compare the kitchen and garage sound if that would help. I would imagine that it is very loud if it is not vented out of the kitchen. One thing you can do in the short term -- the vent fan is variable speed -- cut the speed down. I will be glad to give more info when I get back to her place if I can help. |
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Willy
Premium
join:2000-09-24
·Optimum Online
| reply to boaterbob
As for which way to go, standard hood or in-line fan, the choice is how much noise you can tolerate.
The standard fan is much less work but the in-line will be virtually silent.
If you have a choice, venting it through the wall would be preferable. The fewer penetrations through the roof the better and as mentioned already the fewer bends you have, the less back static pressure you create, the better the fan works. |
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