How to cover evaporative cooling vents for winter?

Question

Hello,

With the cold weather coming in Melbourne, I'd like to cover my evaporative cooling vents in the ceilings throughout the house, by blocking the gap underneath the vents. I don't want to access the VEU program where you can get covers installed over the vents, as I'd prefer to buy something that will sit underneath the vents.

I'm thinking polystyrene foam boards and cutting them to size, to squeeze them into place in the vent hole, then placing the grill itself back in the hole.

Can you please let me know if this is the best approach? Or, if another material would be better? Looking for something easy to work with that I can cut to size and that will keep the draught out - thanks!

Noyade · Answer

I get a ladder and turn the vanes horizontal for winter.

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Morning @rochellepickard

I am thinking that there will probably be minimall clearance between the cover and brackets inside. So I am thinking of

https://www.bunnings.com.au/crystal-clear-0-5-x-1370mm-wide-vinyl-tablecloth_p6640173

Cut to size so it sits inside with nothing coming out of the edges, its flexible, plus easy to cut and should stop any draughs.

Dave

EricL · Answer

Hello @rochellepickard

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about covering your cooling vents.

If you are after some temporary covers for your vents, using polystyrene should work. However, I find that the polystyrenes structure is a bit soft and when pushed to cover openings parts of it chip off at the sides. As a possible alternative, I propose looking at the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-1200-x-600-x-30mm-xps-multi-use-foam-board_p0461085

or the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/tunnelcore-2250-x-1220-x-8mm-uv-white-translucent-double-wall-pp-flute-board_p0488076

. These can be easily cut using a

https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-18mm-snap-off-knife_p5760321

.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Noyade for their recommendations.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when cutting these materials.

Just a friendly reminder to our NZ members that the use of foilboard is prohibited.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric