Ventilation/Air Brick Vents

[garash]

We have two of these in our sitting room on the same wall one at the top
and one at the bottom. Are they really necessary these days?
I assume they are made of plaster? and I definately want to get rid of the bottom one because of the draught, or if I have to keep them at least change them as they protrude from the wall. Any suggestions, ideas appreciated.

 

[Burnerman]

Pretty common at one time, and it depended on whether you had a solid fuel fire or a gas appliance in the room that needed its combustion air from the room.....if that doesn't apply now then they can go. Most I have seen have been made from terracotta but I'm sure there were other types.
John

 

[foxhole]

They are essential for ventilation if you don't want damp, mold etc and also if you have gas appliances or open fires.