09 November 2023 , 06:00
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In the cold months of winter, many people will find that each morning condensation has formed on their windows, which may seem superficially not to be that big of a deal, but it can actually lead to a huge range of serious issues if it is left untreated. Condensation forms when the temperature inside is warmer than the air outside, so when the central heating comes on as the temperature drops, it can quickly start to appear.
The higher the amount of moisture in the atmosphere of your home, the more condensation will appear. Left to gather, condensation may pool on your windowsills and can cause mildew and mould to grow in your home because of the excess moisture, which can be really serious, both for your health and the property itself.
These are issues that almost everyone would want to avoid. When it comes to your health, mould can cause respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions, according to the NHS, and will particularly impact those who already suffer from respiratory issues like asthma. Structurally, mould can damage your home by weakening "the integrity of walls, ceilings, and floors, and compromise the overall structure of the building," according to Mould Removal London.
So you want to tackle condensation that is forming on your windows in the morning as quickly as possible, and an expert from the Property Care Association (PCA) has come up with five ways to banish it from your home. Speaking to The Express, James Berry - deputy chief executive of the PCA - broke down the "effective" steps you should be taking.
"There are a few easy adjustments to avoid condensation issues in the first place that can help householders ensure their home is a healthy space to live in," he said. Firstly, he recommends drying your washing outside whenever you can - in the cold months it may well be tricky enough to find a gap in the perpetual rain where this will be possible, but drying laundry inside means more moisture in your home.
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Secondly, he advises servicing the fans in your home to ensure they are extracting as much moisture as possible. Cleaning your fans is also important you can do this with a vacuum cleaner. to get any dust present out.
Thirdly, Berry recommends that you make a couple of tweaks when you are cooking: turn your hob down to a lower temperature but ensure that you have popped a lid on top of your pan, this traps moistures so it doesn't get into the atmosphere and also will keep energy costs down.
The expert also explains that when you are cooking it is crucial to open your windows and exterior doors to let the moisture out so it doesn't become stuck in your home, adding to potential condensation.
Finally, Berry advises that you make a small change when you're running your bath: put cold water in first., which The Express reports "can reduce steam by 90 percent". If you mainly shower, than keeping the bathroom window open whilst washing can also help reduce moisture in the air, especially if you keep the door to your bathroom closed to make sure it doesn't escape into other rooms in the house.
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