Condensation is caused by moisture or water vapour from inside a dwelling which then comes into contact with a colder surface, often a window or a wall. Condensation can often be found during the winter months.
Here are a few examples of the amount of moisture produced when carrying out daily activities:
2 people at home for 16 hours: 3 Pints
A bath or a shower: 2 Pints
Drying clothes indoors: 9 Pints
Cooking and use of kettle: 6 Pints
Washing dishes: 2 Pints
Bottled gas heater (8 hours use) 4 Pints
Info provided by North Staffs Landlord Accreditation scheme
5 Easy Tricks to solve the problem of condensation
1. Produce Less Moisture – This one is simple, dry your clothes outside or in a vented tumble dryer. Cover your pans when you are cooking and make sure you don’t leave your kettle boiling. Be aware of paraffin or liquid petroleum heaters, they produce large amounts of water vapour.
2. Ventilate – You have probably been told this one time and time again, but it is vital to ventilate. Keep your windows slightly open in the lock position during the day. This allows the moist air to escape and allows dry air into the property. When using the kitchen or bathroom, always open a window and continue to ventilate these rooms for a short while after and if possible use the extractor fan as well. In the morning, open your bedroom window and throw back the sheets to air the bedding.
3) Create space- clutter causes condensation as the air cannot flow as well. Make sure you leave a gap between the wall and furniture otherwise you may find black mould between the wall and the furniture. Don’t overfill wardrobes or cupboards.
4) Turn the heat up – I know what you’re going to say, opening your windows and turning up the heating is a waste of money. However if you have good heating controls on your radiators and keep a low background heat on all day, rather than short bursts this will help manage costs and help condensation.
5) Insulate: Loft insulation will help keep your home warm and will help on your heating bills. There are also grants available for this.
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