Condensation is a common problem in the home, particularly in the colder months. If left untreated, it can lead to mould growth and dampness, which can cause a range of health problems
The miserable, chilly weather is officially here and with it comes condensation. While it’s a common problem for many households across the UK, if left untreated it can result in nasty mould and dampness forming. This can lead to nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, respiratory infections and can even make asthma and allergic conditions worse.
Condensation appears on windows when warm indoor air meets the cold glass surface. It’s most likely to happen during winter on windows, doors and walls, as well as in poorly ventilated areas such as fitted wardrobes and cupboards.
Thankfully, there are straightforward methods to prevent condensation forming on your windows, particularly in bedrooms. Household condensation can be prevented by lowering humidity levels and improving ventilation. Reducing moisture in the air means there’s less water vapour available to transform into condensation, whilst better ventilation allows the water in the air to escape.
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Home improvement specialists have revealed how you can tackle this problem in your property. The key tip that experts swear by? Keeping your bedroom windows open overnight. “The warm air people breathe out while sleeping increases humidity. There’s nowhere for the moist air to go when windows are closed, so it turns into condensation. Opening the window allows the warm air to escape instead,” specialists at Screwfix explained.
Experts also suggest leaving bedroom curtains open overnight. When drawn closed, they stop the windowpane from benefiting from central heating warmth. This causes the glass to become colder than necessary, leading to condensation forming. By keeping curtains open at night, the glass temperature remains closer to room temperature, preventing condensation build-up. The pros noted: “If it’s not practical to keep curtains open, changing them to thinner curtains will still make a difference.”
It’s equally crucial to maintain your heating at a constant low temperature throughout the day. This is because dramatic and frequent temperature fluctuations worsen condensation issues. The glass stays warmer and condensation is less likely to appear if heating runs continuously at a reduced setting. You should also address any existing damp issues promptly.
Damp raises humidity levels, which in turn increases the likelihood of condensation appearing on windows. Finally, steer clear of drying laundry in your bedroom – try hanging it outdoors instead. Wet garments placed on airers or radiators release moisture as they dry, boosting humidity and triggering condensation. When outdoor drying isn’t an option, crack open windows to let the damp air escape.
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