Air bricks - good or bad ?

FreeBear

mexican_dave said:

Double glazing for draught proofing and heating retention, on this matter Building Regulations seem schizophrenic! They want sealed double glazing, no draughts, frames that don't conduct heat, etc, BUT then thay want you to fit an extract fan in the bathroom; utility/WC; and sometimes insist "trickle vents" as they did with me, despite my windows having "night vents?" on the window latches (keeping the windows ajar, but fixed).

Building Regulations specify "background ventilation", and does not specifically mention trickle vents. Background ventilation can be achieved in other ways, but a night latch is not one of them. Then there are exemptions to the "trickle vent" rule if you are only replacing a couple of windows, or you face a busy main road.

If you can demonstrate that the existing background ventilation of the building meets the requirements of Building Regulations, you do not need trickle vents. However, many installers just take the advice from the likes of FENSA and can't be bothered to read the approved documents and digest the finer points.

Albermarle

Phil4432 said:

I'd say its a balance between ventilation and heat retention.  The problem with sealing a lot of older houses, is that they then have condensation and mould issues.

Windows should be opened when cooking, bathing, and in the morning after sleeping.  The house should be vented every day, and then not allowed to get too cold.  General guideline is around 14C at least.

We get condensation and mould under our bay window area, I check and clean every month or so and run a dehumidifier. 

So if fitting new rads, best have one at the bay window.

Although the usual advice is not to have radiators under windows, especially if you have curtains.

Not saying who is right or wrong, but you see conflicting advice about many home issues.

MouldyOldDough

Albermarle said:

Phil4432 said:

I'd say its a balance between ventilation and heat retention.  The problem with sealing a lot of older houses, is that they then have condensation and mould issues.

Windows should be opened when cooking, bathing, and in the morning after sleeping.  The house should be vented every day, and then not allowed to get too cold.  General guideline is around 14C at least.

We get condensation and mould under our bay window area, I check and clean every month or so and run a dehumidifier. 

So if fitting new rads, best have one at the bay window.

Although the usual advice is not to have radiators under windows, especially if you have curtains.

Not saying who is right or wrong, but you see conflicting advice about many home issues.

I always thought that radiators should go under windows but just to be aware the curtains didn't help 

FreeBear

MouldyOldDough said:

Albermarle said:

Phil4432 said:

I'd say its a balance between ventilation and heat retention.  The problem with sealing a lot of older houses, is that they then have condensation and mould issues.

Windows should be opened when cooking, bathing, and in the morning after sleeping.  The house should be vented every day, and then not allowed to get too cold.  General guideline is around 14C at least.

We get condensation and mould under our bay window area, I check and clean every month or so and run a dehumidifier. 

So if fitting new rads, best have one at the bay window.

Although the usual advice is not to have radiators under windows, especially if you have curtains.

Not saying who is right or wrong, but you see conflicting advice about many home issues.

I always thought that radiators should go under windows but just to be aware the curtains didn't help 

Radiators have traditionally been placed under windows to counteract the curtain of cold air descending down the glass. As the thermal performance of windows has improved in recent years, there is less heat loss through the windows. Curtains will reduce heat loss further and it helps to tuck them behind the radiator (if it is under the window).

In a well insulated and draught free house, there isn't any real need to site the radiator under a window (in my opinion).

mexican_dave

One reason to put radiators under windows is it's a place where you might not generally put a big piece of furniture, and to put a radiator against a wall WITHOUT a window might mean the rad is in the way of a big piece of furniture.
I realise I am talking about Interior Design but it relevant to the positioning of radiators, but not necessarily "heat loss".
I have moved a radiator in my hallway from one wall to the opposite wall as the radiator was awkwardly close to the front door, but in it's new position it now warms out coats and is less obstruction close to the front door, being on the hinge side. Sometimes personal choice