Can air vent in chimney be moved?

[muffins78]

Hello, I'm just wondering can an air vent in a chimney be moved? My place is a flat with no fireplace. I'd like to get a wall mounted electric fire (not sure if getting a gas one would be too much trouble with needing a flue etc).. I looked at the outside of the building earlier and where the air vent is in the flat, doesn't seem to be connected to anything on the exterior wall (again this may be something that you wouldn't expect anyway, I haven't a clue) :)

So based on they can the air vent be repositioned to allow for an electric fire to be wall hung, otherwise the vent would be blocked.

Thank you for any help

[KidKruger]

not sure I understand fully - but I thought electric fires just heat up air, so there's nothing to conduit out of the room such as fumes/gases ?

[muffins78]

Sorry, I should have been clearer - the air vent is currently placed centre of the chimney breast / under the dado! Ill attach a picture that I've taken just now. The wall mounted fire would be placed the same position - therefore blocking the air vent where it is currently.

Shouldn't the air vent be exposed? If so, can it be moved? Thank you :)

[Salsaboy]

Yes it can be moved. So long as there is a flow of air, I don't think there will be a problem. It's mainly to ensure that there is no condensation in the chimney.

[muffins78]

Fabulous, thank you, so am right in thinking it's just a fancy while in the wall essentially :). Now to find someone to do the job for me :) Cheers again!

[ACBP]

On a similar ish point, we live on top two floors of four storey house. Downstairs flat have open fire used in the winter. Smoke smell comes through the vent in our main bedroom...

We have no open fire. What to do?

Thanks

A

[KidKruger]

ACBP. What to do ?

About the fumes - speak to your neighbours and get the fires stopped until they've lined their chimneys each with a flue to protect you. The fumes can make you sick and your possessions may absorb the odour of fumes.

About not having an open fire - if it's your place, also set-up a flue then you can have fires too.

[ACBP]

Thanks KK.

Can I make them do that? Is it an easy job? Costly? I've no idea...just trying to pre-empt the winter season when I will all being well have a newborn in the room with me who I don't want to be inhaling the fumes!

[KidKruger]

i think it starts with a conversation with them explaining the consequences for your dwelling and the those in it each time your neighbours below light a fire. You could undewrline the expected baby. I'd get on it now, in a nice way, so as the days draw shorter and colder you have an agreement/way forward.

If it becomes confrontational, a call to the council for health reasons should help (don't quote me on that bit, just my opinion).

[ACBP]

Cool...watch this space....

Thanks

A