The top property-related internet search is all about windows, according to
Zoopla and Google’s auto-complete search function. We complain that our windows are wet, streaky, misty, mouldy and hard to open.
Clearly people are struggling to grasp the concept of condensation. Not only that, left untreated this creates mould, which can trigger ill health and asthma. Condensation is most noticeable in winter because of the greater difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the home.
Amazingly, four people living in a 3-bedroom home create 112 pints of moisture a week. All from just breathing, cooking, showering and boiling the kettle. So what can you do to reduce the condensation in your property? Here are some top tips from EnviroVent.
ONE If you have a washing machine or tumble dryer in your property, ensure that it is vented correctly. From just one load of washing two litres of water is emitted into the air.
TWO Where possible, dry clothes outdoors to prevent excess moisture escaping into your property. If this isn’t an option, open your doors or windows in these rooms.
THREE When cooking, boiling kettles, taking showers or baths, ensure that your kitchen or bathroom door is closed to prevent steam going into colder rooms causing condensation to form.
FOUR When cooking ensure that you cover your pans with a lid to reduce moisture. Open a window or use an extractor fan if you have one. Don’t turn off the fan or close the window straight away - leave on/open for 15-20 minutes to clear the air.
FIVE When bathing turn on the fan or open a window to get rid of steam.
SIX Portable gas bottles and paraffin heaters produce moisture and toxic fumes. This form of heat causing excess condensation and is a safety hazard and is therefore not allowed in rented accommodation.
SEVEN Pets and plants produce moisture. Cover fish tanks and move plants outdoors.
EIGHT If you don’t have extractor fans make sure that you wipe down the surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen. Excess moisture on surfaces will quickly turn to mould.
NINE Do not overfill wardrobes and kitchen cupboards. These are a breeding ground for mould as the air is not able to circulate freely inside.
TEN For the same reason, make sure that your furniture is at least 50mm away from the surrounding walls. Put wardrobes against internal walls, which will be less cold than external walls.
ELEVEN Ensuring an adequate amount of heating improves the internal temperature of surfaces and reduces the likelihood of condensation.
TWELVE If you use a room regularly open a window slightly to improve ventilation, as breathing is a major cause of condensation.
THIRTEEN Double glazing, loft insulation and draft proofing help to reduce heat loss and increase the temperature of internal surfaces.
These suggestions are a short-term fix that will help reduce condensation, but they won’t eliminate the problem. The best way to combat condensation is to ventilate your property and invest in a dehumidifier.
For a permanent solution book a survey with a specialist firm such as domestic ventilation company
EnviroVent. Get expert advice on whole house ventilation, heat recovery systems and extractor fans for the kitchen and bathroom.
SEVEN Pets and plants produce moisture. Cover fish tanks and move plants outdoors.
EIGHT If you don’t have extractor fans make sure that you wipe down the surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen. Excess moisture on surfaces will quickly turn to mould.
NINE Do not overfill wardrobes and kitchen cupboards. These are a breeding ground for mould as the air is not able to circulate freely inside.
TEN For the same reason, make sure that your furniture is at least 50mm away from the surrounding walls. Put wardrobes against internal walls, which will be less cold than external walls.
ELEVEN Ensuring an adequate amount of heating improves the internal temperature of surfaces and reduces the likelihood of condensation.
TWELVE If you use a room regularly open a window slightly to improve ventilation, as breathing is a major cause of condensation.
THIRTEEN Double glazing, loft insulation and draft proofing help to reduce heat loss and increase the temperature of internal surfaces.
These suggestions are a short-term fix that will help reduce condensation, but they won’t eliminate the problem. The best way to combat condensation is to ventilate your property and invest in a dehumidifier.
For a permanent solution book a survey with a specialist firm such as domestic ventilation company EnviroVent. Get expert advice on whole house ventilation, heat recovery systems and extractor fans for the kitchen and bathroom.
