How To Stop Condensation Buildup From Damaging Your Home
*This post may contain affiliate links* or products that have been sent to me for review. You can find out more in my Privacy and Cookie Policy*
This is a collaborative post
Condensation is one of the most overlooked problems in the home. A few drops on the windows won’t do much harm, but if there is a lot of moisture and condensation around the home, it will soon lead to problems with damp and mould. If you notice a musty smell in certain rooms or even black spots growing on the walls and around window sills, you’ve got a problem and it needs to be sorted.
This is a particular problem as we move into winter because condensation is caused when warm air hits cold surfaces. So, as the house gets colder, you are more likely to experience an issue. The good news is, there are some simple things you can do to stop condensation buildup from damaging your home.
Install Insulation
The first thing to do is make sure you have adequate insulation installed throughout your home. This will keep the cold air from seeping through the walls and connecting with any warm, moist air which has accumulated inside. If you can raise the overall temperature of the home so the surfaces are not cold, it is harder for condensation to form. So, if you are making some updates to your home this Autumn, you should always prioritise insulation, especially in the loft because you lose a lot of heat through the roof. This will also cut your energy bills, so it’s a win-win.
Use Air Conditioning
You might not think that you need air conditioning during the winter, but it can actually be very effective for removing excess moisture. If you have a lot of condensation in the house, it will be harder to control when you use heating alone. If vents are installed downstairs, you can run an air conditioning unit during the day so moist air is removed from your home. If you find a professional air conditioning installer and have a unit fitted now, you can stay on top of mould this winter. When the summer comes around, you’ll be glad you had it installed because the house will be cool and comfortable.
Ventilate The Bathroom and Kitchen
The bathroom and kitchen are the biggest culprits when it comes to condensation problems. A lot of steam is created in these rooms on a daily basis and all the moisture has nowhere to go. Installing extractor fans can help with this, but if you don’t have them fitted, don’t worry. You can open some windows around the home during the day and night to keep moisture at bay. If you do have a bathroom or kitchen window that is accessible, this will also help your home breathe. You can manually open it for a few minutes every now and then to release the air inside.
If you find that you have a serious problem with steam in the kitchen and bathroom and you are struggling to keep them well ventilated, you should consider investing in a dehumidifier to run when showering or cooking.
These simple steps will help you remove excess moisture from your home so condensation buildup does not cause damage over time.