CONDENSATION & MOULD
What is Condensation?
Condensation is the appearance of water on cold surfaces. It occurs where moist air comes into contact with air, or a surface, which is at a lower temperature. Water produced from condensation is generally noticeable where it forms on non-absorbent surfaces (i.e. windows or tiles) but it can form on any surface and it may not be noticed until mould growth occurs.
How to Reduce Condensation
Produce Less Moisture
Some normal daily activities produce a lot of moist air very quickly. To minimise the amount of moist air, which leads to the formation of condensation, you need to:
Dry washing outdoors. If it’s raining, use a clothes airer in the bathroom or kitchen with the door closed and the window open and/or the fan on.
Do not dry washing directly on radiators as this produces more water vapour and cools the room at the same time. Ask yourself “Where will all the water vapour from the drying clothes go?”
Cover pans when cooking and don’t leave kettles boiling longer than necessary. Use the hob extractor fan.
Run the cold water first when filling a bath as it prevents steam production.
Never use appliances that put moisture into the air such as humidifiers or vaporisers.
Open the window when using the shower and leave it open for a couple of hours afterwards too.
Ventilate to Remove Moisture
Your home can be ventilated without creating draughts by:
Dry your windows & windowsills every morning. Check external walls every day, even behind furniture.
Keep curtains open during the day to avoid air getting “trapped” between the curtain and the cold windows.
Open windows regularly. For security, most windows can be locked but kept open a small amount.
Opening the kitchen or bathroom windows to let steam and moisture out.
Use the extractor fans.
Ventilate your bedroom by leaving a window slightly open at night.
Closing the kitchen and bathroom doors when the rooms are in use to stop the warm moist air producing condensation in other cooler rooms.
Don’t clutter wardrobes and cupboards; it could stop the air circulating.
Don’t block ventilators, air bricks and chimneys.
Heat your Home
Heat the house regularly to reduce the likelihood of condensation and mould growth.
Student Homes
Regulations mandate the types of doors required in student homes. These doors mean air cannot circulate as well throughout the house. It is therefore more common for condensation to build up in student bedrooms. This can be reduced by opening windows regularly and following other tips above.
We have installed Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems into all of our student homes. These systems are proven to reduce condensation and thus mould. That’s our commitment to your comfort and safety.
If you are concerned about condensation or mould, please contact us.