Microwave Oven Does Not Work Hood Fan Does
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Should I unplug the Microwave Oven or Keep Using the Hood Exhaust Fan? This electrical wiring question involves a High Electric Bill and a Microwave Hood Exhaust Fan in the Kitchen of a Home. © By: Dave Rongey |
Microwave Oven and Hood Exhaust Fan
Electrical Question: Should I unplug the Microwave Oven or Keep Using the Hood Exhaust Fan?
- My over-the-stove microwave oven does not work except for the fan. I want to unplug it as my electric bills are extremely high and I seldom use the exhaust fan. My son-in-law says not to unplug the unit (’cause of some “fumes” or whatever when cooking, which I also seldom do!) and that I should use the fan. Is it okay to just unplug it? I use it for storage and have a countertop microwave oven when needed. The age of the over-stove microwave is when the house was built in 2004.
This electrical wiring question came from Elaine, a Homeowner in Templeton, California.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Elaine.
Microwave Oven with Working Hood Exhaust Fan
Application: Microwave Oven with a Hood Exhaust Fan.
Skill Level: Microwave Oven repairs are best performed by a Licensed Electrician or Certified Appliance Technician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Technicians Repair Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the problems, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Microwave Oven, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electric Parts and Materials: The electric parts and materials for the Microwave Oven Hood Exhaust Fan should be approved for the specific unit and compatible with the original manufacturer.
Resources to help you with electrical wiring in your area:
Locate Electricians or Electrical Contractors in California
California Electrical Contractor License, Building Permits and Electrical Codes
High Electric Bill and Microwave Oven with Hood Exhaust Fan
This electrical wiring question involves a High Electric Bill and a Microwave Hood Exhaust Fan in the Kitchen of my House.
Microwave Oven with Hood Exhaust
If the microwave oven is not operating then it should not be consuming electric power, therefore I do not think that this would be the cause of a high electric bill.
You may consider having a technician evaluate the cause or problem with the microwave oven. I have repaired microwave ovens where a fuse was blown due to over usage or when attempting to heat food and a metal object or container caused the fuse to blow.
If the hood fan is operational it may be best to keep the unit in place and use the exhaust fan, otherwise once the unit is removed you will need to replace the unit, and in some cases the vent pipe will need to be reconnected to provide ventilation when cooking.
Another option is to replace the non-working microwave oven with a conventional hood exhaust fan and continue using the countertop microwave oven, as you have described.
More about a High Electric Bill, Exhaust Fans, and Microwave Ovens
Home Energy Savings
Methods that show how to start saving energy right away for very little investment compared to the savings you will realize.
Microwave Circuit Wiring
In kitchens it is common practice that if a microwave oven will be installed at a given location, such as Hood-Fan Microwave Ovens, that a Dedicated 20 Amp Circuit is always installed.
Microwave Outlet
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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