If an apartments extractor fan is not vented? Regulations, building code?

16-12-2021 6:39pm #1

It has an extractor fan but it isn't vented,

i.e. it basically blows the steam against the ceiling?

Going to be some nasty odors in the kitchen for one, going to stain the ceiling for two, and almost certainly won't contribute to alleviation of mold/mildew.

Is there any specific building code that addresses this?

i.e. is a landlord obligated to address it if a tenant raises it, or is something common enough and it's not a serious concern?

10-10-20 · 16-12-2021 6:57pm

That sounds like a recirculating filter unit and not an extractor. Does it have a replaceable charcoal filter?

They don't work for steam but they do capture much of the oil and smoke if the filter is maintained.

awec · 17-12-2021 12:10am

The filtered extractors are fairly common in houses and apartments where the cooker is not on an external wall.

As 10-10-20 says, they work perfectly fine so long as the filter is replaced when it needs to be replaced.

17-12-2021 5:55am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118332751#Comment_118332751

Pics of unit and pump to external (or what should be external).

......

Yes it's an apartment and the kitchen unit is located on an internal wall with another apartment over head so, I guess it would be a hell of a job routing a vent to an external wall anyways.

I haven't figured out how to remove the cover but it looks like there's a black mesh underneath which one would assume is the charcoal filter.

I never noticed (paid attention to) that on any other extractor fan unit until it was mentioned, I just assumed they all had them.

.......

Replacing that, this looks like an old unit;

Are those charcoal filters consistent between all brands or any idea where one would get a replacement?

(it's also not immediately apparent how to remove that grill to get to the filter itself....?)

Sleeper12 · 17-12-2021 8:09am

I had something like that many years ago. It can be vented as you can see from the back & this is the best way if possible. It also has charcoal filters inside so it can function without being vented.

Timfy · 17-12-2021 8:28am

The charcoal filters need to be changed on a regular basis, usually every 1-2 months, otherwise they block up and just vent out through the path of least resistance. That would be the tenants responsibility. Filters can be picked up in any hardware store and are usually cut to fit. Make sure that it is a charcoal filter that you get, not the fluffy white material which is for use in fully vented systems.

Not as good as venting outside but perfectly acceptable if well maintained.

To open, pull the 2 buttons towards you and the cover will drop down. Give it a good clean out each time. The filter simply clips in, usually held in place with two spring clips.

10-10-20 · 17-12-2021 10:48am

If you have a dishwasher, fire as much of that grid assembly as you can (minus the filter) in on a very hot cycle. Should buff up nicely.

If an apartments extractor fan is not vented? Regulations, building code?

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