Draughty Home Air Vent

[JasonBat]

Hi all,

I've blocked off my apartment air vents due to a niggling draught. This is probably not the best idea as the air quality in my apartment now suffers.

Anyone know of any tricks or recommendations to having an air vent that is not draughty particularly now that it is winter here in the UK?

I do not own the apartment unfortunately but I am happy to spend with regards to resolving this problem.

Many thanks in advance.

Jason

 

[AlanE]

Do you gave any gas heating in any of the rooms with the vents?

 

[JasonBat]

Do you gave any gas heating in any of the rooms with the vents?

Nope. I only have electric heating which I turn on and off occasionally.

 

[foxhole]

Blocking vents invites mold spores to settle and increases condensation.

 

[AronSearle]

Without spending decent money or effort to stop condensation risks you will need that ventilation.


A mechanical fan will allow you to choose where the droughts occur.


Blow into the house (lofty systems) = the fan itself and the room you put it into.


Blow out of the house, and it will suck air through these vents or gaps around windows.


Upgrade insulation and you will need much less (not 0) ventilation to avoid condensation = mould.

 

[JasonBat]

Thanks all.

Will a good air purifier not do the same thing and suck up any mould spores?

I am super sensitive to draughts (I suffer from asthma and sinus problems) so it seem battle of draught versus mould which are both problematic. Even opening the window slightly for an hour on a somewhat cold day causes me serious grief.

 

[foxhole]

Locking your self in with mold spores and little ventilation will cause more grief.
http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/do-air-purifiers-really-work.html#sthash.aZX6M74t.dpbs

 

[JasonBat]

Locking your self in with mold spores and little ventilation will cause more grief.
http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/do-air-purifiers-really-work.html#sthash.aZX6M74t.dpbs

Oh great. I'm starting to feel a bit scuppered here...

What about something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...coliid=IKMQAG7C47VXH&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

 

[AronSearle]

That will stop or reduce wind blowing through, but vents are designs to....vent.

And reducing the air flow may increase condensation forming on poorly insulated walls/windows.

Condensation on walls = mould (condensation on windows is just a ballache)

The alternative is to make the place more airtight and run a dessicant dehumidifier, which produces heat and dries the air helping to prevent condensation.

Though this may increase your energy bill.

Warm dry air will be good for you.

FYI a dessicant dehumidiyer produces heat and dry air, a condensing dehumidifyer just dries the air and requires good temperatures to work effiecently.

 

[Grenage]

Open the windows during the day, and close them in the evening; as above, the notion that you can have a sealed(ish) building and not end up with condensation and mould is insane.

 

[JasonBat]

Unfortunately opening the window for a longer than 5 minutes causes me grief especially on a cold day.

Below is the vent in question in the event this is helpful. It appears it is not the best anti-draught design.

 

[AronSearle]

We are going round in circles.

Vent's vent, they are made to vent, vents = draughts.

No vents = Mould.

Unless you dry the air by other means (dehumidifyer) or reduce cold surfaces (upgrade insulation).