Anyway, I would like to put a stop to this rattling and also stop the constant drafts coming from them. We are unlikely to use them, but I don't necessarily want to permanently disable them. Can anyone suggest some good ideas to help with this?

Hi, You said it would take 15 minutes to fit, and I did it in 7. And the effects were immediate!” B.T. Cardiff.Since no-one's said that you can't just tape the external vents shut, I'm going to give this a go. Depending on the effect this has on the draft, I may try putting some insulation inside the vent sleeve to help with this. Then I can happily use the windows for my ventilation, knowing that when I want a warm room, I can achieve it and when I want ventilation and air circulation it is completely within my control. Replacing underfloor air vents which will stop a draught blowing under your floor, while allowing enough air for the vital ventilation. The vent has the same fixing holes as a standard louvred vent, so retro fitting one takes minutes, and it accepts all the standard tubes, ducting etc. The DR21 air vent is affordable enough to form part of any standard quote and its draft reducing qualities and modern look can be used to upsell customers to a higher-powered stove than they might otherwise have bought. This does affect young children and there some research that it can be one of the causes of childhood asthma."

That’s where the DR21 comes in! Invented by David Gattie, a very experienced stove fitter this nifty vent cap slows the rate of airflow while still allowing appliances sufficient oxygenation to prevent poor performance. In brief this is caused by the mechanism of combustion. Fuel only burns when given a heat source in oxygen. So, as fuel is burned, oxygen in the area surrounding the fuel source is ”used up” by the mechanism of combustion, this then needs to be replaced. The reaction then pulls more oxygen into the area to replace the ”used up” oxygen – when this ocurrs in appliances, air is pulled in via the vent to do this. So, the rate of airflow in through the vent will automatically meet the demands for the appliance, regardless of the vent style. Now carefully glue the second magnet to the section of the cowl that you screw to the wall. Carefully aligning both magnets and ensuring you have the second magnet the right way round to attract the first magnet rather then repel. The Magnets should not touch or the attraction will be too strong for the flap to open when the extractor unit starts. If you’re about to have a wood burning stove or other appliance fitted then it’s very likely the installer will need to drill a hole through the wall behind the stove to ensure the product has sufficient ventilation. In this case simply provide them with the DR21 and request that they fit this instead of a louvered vent, they will be able to do this for you no problem! One of the best parts about this air vent cover is that if you do decide to light your stove, air is pulled through at a faster rate – in fact it’s pulled through at the exact rate to meet the demands of the appliance – meaning everything works just as it should. How does the DR21 vent cover work?

However, we have a problem with them. The external vent cover is quite flimsy plastic and rattles like mad at the slightest breeze. This is quite annoying since the house is otherwise quiet, especially the one in our ensuite bathroom. It also means that we routinely have a cold draft coming in to each room with an extractor. Vents are a common area of complaint when it comes to draughts and cold air leaks. But, air vents are there to ensure your appliances perform efficiently and correctly. Vents ensure fuel consuming appliances get enough oxygen and ensure toxic carbon monoxide is produced through incomplete combustion. So, air vents are pretty necessary when you’ve got fuel burning or a fire lit. But what about every other hour of the day? Howling gales don’t stop just because the fire’s off. Smaller items will be delivered using Royal Mail 24. Larger items delivered via FedEx or ParcelForce. I think this is the risk which extractor vents are designed to mitigate. I'm desperately trying not to use the phrase "nanny state" about this, but it's hard work. Replacing a bathroom vent, such as the one with the flaps which rattle all night. Should be a straight swap.