Extractor fan doesn’t ‘extract’

[spottedsocks]

Bit of a strange one, posting for traffic! My DH and I have come to realise in the past few weeks that our extractor fan is for show. It doesn’t lead anywhere and must just expel steam/smoke back out of the vent like things on the hood. It doesn’t lead outside at all. Is this common? It’s a fairly small kitchen. The house is rented so never really crossed my mind. Do you have to have a working extractor fan in a rented property if the oven/hob is built in?

You get different types. I think the one you have recirculates the air. I think they have a filter to help with cooking smells.

You've got a filter type

And yeah it's pretty common

Check the filter. Pp is right. Some circulate air and of the filter is filthy (and omg can they be filthy) it doesn't work

Yes it is common. Also some are fitted incorrectly.

You just need a window that can open in a kitchen and bathroom. Though decent extractor fans are better.

If you have space get yourself a dehumidifier to place near the bathroom door. It will also help dry clothes in winter.

There are 2 types of kitchen hood fans.
1 = As you say, those that extract and blow straight out.
2 = Those that recycle and filter clean the air. They tend to be a rectangular box type shape with a small plastic opening visor on the front with as you say vents on the top that vent back into the kitchen.
Assuming you have one of these then the ones I have seen
1, Drop open at the bottom if you open the catches underneath.
2, Have a Splash / Grease / Particle filter which can be metal and dishwasher safe, or some sort of fabric / paper and replaceable.
3, However, whatever above outer filter is fitted they also generally have a second carbon particle filter that cleans the small particles (ie smoke & smell) out of the air.
We have found extractors are better than recirculating, but recirculating is much better than nothing.