Trickle vents

[SJELiz]

Hi,
I am in the process of confirming a contract to have my UPVC windows replaced and face a dilemma regarding whether or not to have trickle vents fitted in the two bedroom windows and/or others.
The bedroom windows will have a small top hung window and full-length side hung window each. I am in a quandary about whether having only one installed at the top of the frames for each of the small openers is the best choice (1 per bedroom). There has been a lot of condensation and mould in both bedrooms over the last few winters. The wall paper has peeled off because it was so bad last winter. Each bedroom has an air brick fitted but I think part of the issue is that these have been blocked since having cavity wall insulation put in a few years ago.
I know we do not have to have the vents fitted as we don't have them at present. I have heard stories about professionals not recommending them to be fitted to their A-rated windows and from others stating that they can let drafts and noise in. There is always some kind of airflow coming in as it is (drafty), most likely because the windows need to be replaced but I don't want to spend loads of money on new windows to have a draft still, especially in my daughter's bedroom. At the same time, I need to consider the condensation and mould issues. Perhaps, the issues would improve with new windows or they may get worse without vents. We live in a ground floor flat so vents would be ideal for security reasons and we would avoid extra cold drafts from having the windows on the night latch.
We also have mould around the seals of the kitchen window but I haven't thought as much about getting a vent in there because there are less issues overall and there we have a cooker hood to help with cooking smells and air the room a bit. We always leave a bathroom window ajar so that room is taken care of. The lounge has a conservatory and is ventilated through its window and door.

I would like to know what people have chosen to do themselves in these circumstances: not have any, have a few, where to have them, how effective are they, what are they like when closed etc?
All advice is welcomed. Thank you.

It sounds like you do need the vents even though they will let in cold air - yoi absolutely need ventilation, damp walls can grow mould, which is veey unhealthy.

Is there any chance of putting a new fan in the bathroom and kitchen- the sort that runs constantly and not just when the light goes on? A constant gentle flow of air is the best way to keep the flat dry.

Thank you, candycane222. Yes, I think fans for those rooms could be a good thing for me to investigate next.

Personally I wouldn’t have them, you can leave the windows open slightly ( and still lock upvc ones ) when you need ventilation in those rooms. Even when trickle vents are closed they will still let cold air in when it’s very windy or the beast from the east is battering us. Also they are not good for keeping noise out, they are just basically a hole in your window frame with a bit of plastic in/ over them. Just open windows as and when you need to.

Extractors in bathrooms and kitchen are a good idea for controlling the humidity in the house. A dehumidifier in the colder winter months is also an option.

You need to open your windows more often. I sleep with the bedroom windows open and the lounge and kitchen are open for a few hours each day.

Have you considered a heat recovery extractor fan? That will give you more airflow without causing a draught and you can get almost silent ones these days.

I agree with queen strombas idea, but you need one in each room, because they don't pull air through the building. If you do that though, you will have no draughts, better ventilation, and also no holes to let noise in. Obviously more expensive but it does mean you wont be tempted to shut off ventilation whem its cold, so beat way to tackle the damp

I can't stand trickle vents and wouldn't have them. Just open a window.