Extractor Hood

Our unbranded kitchen extractor hood appears to draw a low volume of air. It came with the house we bought in the Spring and we've found out that in the space for filters behind the twin inlet mesh there are no filters. There is no manual, we have a 2006 receipt for £336+VAT; supplier has ceased trading. We have ambitions to extend kitchen in 2016 so don't wish to replace now. Any alternative suggestions to opening the window ?   

perhaps it has no filters because it is ducted to the outside?

If not, in my opinion, filters do no good at all, they may possibly get rid of nasty smells occasionally, but that is about it.

recommend your new one is ducted, meantime it is window or door.

Welcome to the forum, as Rob suggests, charcoal filters are normally only used with recirculating extractor hoods. Is yours ducted, how long is the duct, is the dust obstructed. As with any extractor device if the room it is in to too air tight it cannot extract enough air, as they require an equivalent air inlet flow as what they are trying to extract.

Doc H.

as above, filter only needed if its recirculating the air. if its venting outside, then no need for them. otherwise either find some filters (different make / model may have same fan and fit), or leave the window open

Usually there's a "paper" filter (fat catcher) in the grill and charcoal filters (smell neutralisers) attached to the fan motor assy.... You only need the charcoal filters if the extractor hood is being used in recirculating mode.

Instead of the "paper" filter it may have a metal mesh,,, wash this in a very hot soapy bowl of water

Otherwise it's just as everyone else says...

I thought the filters were there also to stop the gear getting clogged in grease. But that is a side issue to the op.

Window is your best bet if it is only short term as you say.