A ventilation cabinet can refer to a small cabinet that houses the elements of a heating system.
A ventilation cabinet is a small room or cabinet designed to house the main elements of a heating system, such as a boiler or hot water heater. This term is more widely used in Great Britain; the phrase “hot press” is also used. The “airy” in this term comes from the common practice of hanging slightly damp clothes and sheets inside this usually warm room, letting them dry completely. These cabinets are also used for the storage of bedding.
The size of a ventilation cabinet varies. It is usually found near a stair landing or along a hallway, and often near a place where hot water is used, such as a bathroom or kitchen. Depending on the heating and cooling system involved, the cabinet may contain a water heater, a boiler for hot water and steam heat, or some other form of heater. The space is designed to be large enough to allow relatively easy maintenance of the devices it contains, and in some cases this area is deliberately integrated with storage space.
As you can imagine, these cabinets are warm thanks to the ambient heat generated by the heaters they were built for. Historically, this heat has been used by housewives for things like drying delicate items for handwashing, heating damp towels to remove moisture, and drying wet coats, sweaters, etc. Where a ventilation cabinet has storage shelves, these can be used to store bedding, ensuring they remain dry even during long periods of storage.
The warm vibe of the closet tends to make it a popular feature with pets, especially cats, especially when the area is used to store warm, fluffy towels. In homes with pets, it is a good idea to check this area carefully before closing it to make sure that no animal is trapped inside; the alternative is to leave it open, although this tends to make the cupboard temperature much cooler.
One important thing to remember when using a vent cabinet is that most heating systems require clearances. These gaps ensure fires don’t start and can help the heater work more accurately, since the thermostat gets a better reading when it’s not overly insulated with things like towels. When hanging or storing things in the closet, you may want to consider this; check the side of the heater or boiler to see if there is a label that indicates the minimum safety distances.
