Stopping bathroom vent bringing in cold air

boardtc · 10-03-2022 1:56pm #1

In our bathroom, they used the standard 4" vent for the shower vent. It's up near the ceiling beside the toilet. You can feel the cold air coming in when you are using the toilet:

Is there anything that can be done to block the intake when not in use?

goldenmick · 10-03-2022 2:01pm

I had the same problem.

Just put a light piece of card or thick paper over it. You can even cut to shape, or use coloured to match your decor - or even a pattern or picture. The suction will keep it in place, and if you position it properly there wont be any noise.

griffdaddy · 10-03-2022 2:02pm

Is it electric or just the standard vent hole?

meercat · 10-03-2022 6:06pm

Replace the extractor with one of these. The shutters open when switched on and close when off.

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/heating/fans/airflow-icon-30-extractor-fan-with-auto-iris-shutter.html?IE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9NDl55C89gIVwZ7tCh1tpAbsEAQYAyABEgKf0_D_BwE

boardtc · 11-03-2022 11:31am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118764426#Comment_118764426

Interesting! How does the flap open when it's not a vacuum system? The 2nd link was pasted incorrectly when you have a chance, please.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118764310#Comment_118764310

That is sweet but pricey :-)

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118762819#Comment_118762819

Electric, it's the shower fan.

loyatemu · 11-03-2022 11:50am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118762801#Comment_118762801

eh? It's an extractor fan, if you block it it will no longer extract. And for the "suction to keep it in place" you'd have to have it on all the time. Are you thinking of something else?

Sleeper12 · 11-03-2022 12:52pm

With the storms we've had the last few weeks wind will blow in air vents. It is ok to put paper or cardboard over them during stormy weather. Seal all sides with tape. Thats the cold air you feel sorted. Problem is you can't use the vent/fan while you have it covered. A lot of people are happy to cover it for the 10 to 20 days of the year when it's very windy outside

You can't block an air vent in a room where you might get carbon monoxide build up. For example sitting rooms with a gas back boiler.

boardtc · 11-03-2022 2:13pm

Personally, I'm not going to go fit something when a storm comes in, that makes no sense to me. For me, it's a cold-weather thing, not a storm thing. I am looking for a permanent solution. I like the sound of those flaps but can't see how the would open without a vacuum system...

boardtc · 11-03-2022 3:24pm

Cool @tphase, do you have a link for the in the duct one please?

boardtc · 11-03-2022 10:32pm

Maybe this could be fitted on the outside under the cover?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001279737714.html

boardtc · 11-03-2022 10:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118770404#Comment_118770404

Cross post there, this looks the business, thanks!!

meercat · 12-03-2022 6:48am

Don’t fit the ones with flaps. They blow in the wind and the noise of rattling will drive you mad. The icon fan I linked previously is the best solution

loyatemu · 12-03-2022 10:42am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118771845#Comment_118771845

can confirm - we have the flaps on our kitchen extractor, not only do they clatter in the wind, they don't keep the cold out either.

NewClareman · 12-03-2022 10:48am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118771845#Comment_118771845

Yes, they are pricy but fantastic at stopping draughts, I highly recommend. I live in a very windy area and nothing else came close.

Just one thing to be aware of. The shutter takes a (good) few seconds to open when the fan is turned on. I thought my one was faulty when I first tried it. I nearly removed it!