How to prevent condensation?
High levels of condensation can damage the fabric of a property resulting in increasing maintenance and repair costs. Surface condensation results in mould, meaning landlords will need to pay for redecorating.
So, what can be done to prevent condensation?
- Produce less moisture:
- Avoid drying laundry on radiators.
- Put lids on pans while cooking to reduce the amount of steam created.
- Ensure fish tanks are covered to reduce moisture in the air
- Always vent tumble dryers to the outside
- Don’t let moisture spread:
- While bathing, washing and cooking use an extractor fan to remove the moisture.
- Wipe up any spillages immediately.
- Add Keep the door closed
- Remove the moisture:
- Leaving trickle vents open provides constant ventilation which helps remove the moisture.
- Leave a gap between furniture and walls to allow for air circulation.
- Where safe to do so, open windows to let the stale, moist air out
- Heat the property:
- Keep the home warm to avoid cold areas. The amount of moisture the air can hold depends on the temperature. The higher the temperature, more moisture the air can hold. The lower the temp, less moisture the air can hold. Condensation is more likely to occur in the night time.
- Fluctuating temperatures can increase the risk of condensation. Where possible, maintain a stable temperature.