External ventilation behind Kitchen units

Colm R

My long term solution is to build a new kitchen in an extension. But just to get through a few years with the existing kitchen, I was just wondering if its a good idea or bad idea to drill from outside a few holes to the area behind my lower kitchen units.

The mould build up is not severe, but it was there behind the fridge which I can clean, so I suspect its there behind the other units which I can't see.

I can see the wall behind under the sink and there is very little mould. So I suspect its only build up in the Winter when the wall is cold and then dies off in the summer.

The wall: Cavity wall with no filling and its not dry lined. Its north facing.

The units: Sink, fridge, dishwasher, set of drawers and one press.


Downsides - I accept it may not solve the problem, but certainly won't increase the level of mould and it could help.

Possibly freezing pipes in extremely cold weather. I was going to account for this by simply have some way to close the vents. Otherwise, we keep the room fairly warm so it should not be a huge issue in that regard.

If its too cold, does affect the fridge?

This idea is too simple - I must be missing something - is there anything else to think to say is a bad idea?

dpofloinn

That sounds like a lot of arse ache. Why not put the vents along the kickboard under the units

M.T.D

Fridges can produce quite a lot of moisture. The de-icer function, to stop ice building up in the fridge, usually drains the melted ice into a tray over the "warm compressor" this water then evaporates.
If you have inadequate ventilation around your fridge and a cold wall you will get condensation on the wall followed by mildew and mould.
Remedy make sure you have good ventilation around your fridge and pull the fridge out and wipe the wall periodically.