Air vent ? Why is this here?

[bitstreams]

I am redecorating the lounge for the first time in our 1959 brick house. In one corner of the room there was a bit of hardboard screwed over a hole through the wall to a grille on the outside.

Why is this here?

It's been suggested that this is because there is a gas fire in the room. It's been behind a cupboard and will be again, so I was just going to buy a plastic grille to cover it tidily.

Can anyone confirm why it might be there in the first place?

Simon

 

[jeds]

It's the air supply for the gas fire. Without it the gas fire will (potentially) emit carbon monoxide (potentially deadly) and will also fail any gas certification inspection.

 

[bitstreams]

Thanks - we have a carbon monoxide alarm in the room. I'll buy a proper vent cover for it and make sure it's not blocked by furniture.

 

[DIYWell]

Do you have a gas fire in the room?