Condensation, damp and mould

Avoid creating condensation in your home

You can do this by:

• Covering pans with lids when cooking.
• Using an extractor fan where fitted.
• Open trickle vents fitted on windows.
• Increasing the heating to raise the temperature of the air and cold surfaces.
• Asking for the loft insulation to be inspected to check it is at sufficient levels.
• Ensuring there is space between walls and large pieces of furniture which allows air to circulate.
• Drying washing outside, or in the bathroom with the door closed and a window open.
• Ensuring a tumble dryer has a vent or hose to outside of the house.
• Closing kitchen and bathroom doors when the rooms are in use to prevent moisture from reaching other rooms, especially bedrooms which are cooler and more likely to suffer from condensation.
• Keeping cupboards and wardrobes well ventilated by not over filling them - this stops the air circulating.
• Ensuring any wall vents are not covered up. If so try to uncover them or contact us if unsure.

Ventilate to remove moisture

Your home can be ventilated without being cold or making draughts. You can do this by:

Keeping a small window ajar or a trickle vent open when someone is in the room, particularly when a bathroom or kitchen is being used. You might not need to leave the windows open all day but just for a period of time. Whilst keeping your home warm in cold weather, we advise keeping low background heating on all day, even when there is no-one at home. If your home is warmer, condensation is less likely to occur as this will keep the building warm so there are fewer cold surfaces for the moist air to form condensation. Insulation and draught proofing will also help keep your home warm and reduce fuel bills.