In the building that we live in (less than 10 years old), we have these airfilters above each (large) window. When we moved in, we were told by the concierge that it is important that we do not meddle with them, as they ensure that the air in the appartment cycles; you get the idea.
However, as it has been getting colder outside, I have noticed a draft when standing in the middle of any room, coming from the top of the filters. When you put your hand above the opening, you feel a strong, cold wind blow in, with the strength of a small fan.
We live on the top floor, on a side that has no buildings next to it, so other neighbours seem to have this issue.
With this cold, it has become so bad that we have our heating on full, and it still feels sometimes chilly when I come home.
I have now taped off the holes of these filters, and (obviously) there is nothing cold wind coming in anymore and the appartment is heating up nicely.
My question is; does anyone recognise these filters, or even this issue and also, does this affect air breathability in any negative (dangerous) way?
Thank you all in advance!
—
Unmoot
1 comment
They’re for ventilation. They allow fresh air into your apartment. Most apartments in buildings are connected to a building wide exhaust fan in the bathrooms/kitchen/etc where air is sucked out of the apartment. You want to leave these free to work as designed as they keep the air fresher in the apartment. Covering them puts stress on the window and door seals since the exhaust fan does not stop because you covered them up and the air has to come in from somewhere – for example you might notice your windows or door kind of blow open as soon as you unlock them if you seal all these vents up.