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[August update] Just wanted to add that all my windows have "micro-ventilation" - either by design or simply because they are old and have gaps. So essentially, there is always some air coming in or out in the bedrooms.

So - do I really need those air vents in my bedrooms? Aren't they just a legacy and no longer needed? Please help. Thanks

[End of August update]

My 1950s house has air vents in some bedrooms. They are literally holes in the wall with a plastic grill on both ends.

air vent in the bedroom

I like to regularly ventilate my rooms simply by opening windows. The heating is via a gas boiler downstairs. Yes, there is a log burner in the main living room downstairs, but I use it once in a blue moon.

I would like to completely block off this air vent - basically to fill it in with the expanding foam, plaster and paint over.

The only question - can I safely do it? Any reasons why not to?

Thanks

Tom R
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3 Answers3

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If the vents are, as you say holes with a plastic grill on both ends, they are for air circulation from room to room, or what is sometimes called a "jump vent" that allows air to be returned to a house circulation fan when a room does not have its own return.

The vents should have no or little effect if you opening a window, unless you are saying you want one room with fresh air and another closed off. If that is the case try replacing the grills with one that is adjustable and closable.

Vents from the interior directly to the exterior, (Through the exterior wall), Are unusual. Can or should you close them off? Are there reasons not to? You will need to consult your local experts regarding home construction and the reasoning for the vents.

RMDman
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These vents are before the days of trickle vents on modern upvc windows and are not needed now if you have trickle vents on your windows.

Epd
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Do not permanently block these vents, These allow controlled inflow of outside air into the conditioned interior space. When you turn on bathroom vent fans, a stove vent hood, a vented clothes dryer you are pumping air from inside to outside. This air will be replaced by air from somewhere and you want it to be clean air from outside through a controllable route.

Another pumping route is leaking HVAC ductwork in the attic. Any leakage in the attic is in effect air pumped from inside the living space to outside.

Modern houses have ventilation with energy recovery to replace air pumped from the inside. If no planned route is provided and windows are down then air can be pulled into the living space from the attic or from below in the case of a pier and beam foundation.

Jim Stewart
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