Condensation on walls is a problem for countless homes throughout the country. Unfortunately, it gets worse in winter, as the colder temperatures draw more moisture from the air. But that doesn't mean you have to put up with it.
It happens mainly during the colder months, regardless of whether the weather is wet or dry. Condensation is completely normal and is the most common cause of dampness in the home, especially in colder rooms.
Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. The warmer it is, the more moisture it can hold. Heating one room, and leaving the others cold, will lead to more condensation forming in the cold rooms. If you have central heating with radiators in every room, it is best to have a medium level of heat throughout your home.
The atmospheric temperature must always be consistent to stop condensation. Make sure warm air ventilates out of the home and walls and surfaces are not too cold. Try keeping the heat at a low consistent temperature and avoid drying clothes inside.
Warm air indoors can hold more than cold air and so the risk of significant condensation is increased. Modern homes are significant producers of water vapour. An average family of four through activities like washing, cooking and drying clothes can produce as much as 4 or 5 gallons every 24 hours.
The main cause of condensation is a lack of ventilation. The remedy is to improve ventilation to help equalise humidity inside and outside a property. Once upon a time, houses had badly-fitted windows, doors, chimneys and air vents that allowed for the circulation of air.
If you don't have air con, or it's broken, then keeping the windows down can help clear the windscreen of condensation too. This is because the dry, cold air from outside reduces the amount of water vapour inside the car, preventing the windscreen from misting over.
He explained that keeping your heating between 15 and 17 degrees helps your home reach a "constant temperature" which stops water forming on the windows. This trick also helps to slash energy bills, as it helps your home stay at a more manageable temperature rather than going between being too hot and too cold.
If seeing droplets on windows around the house has left you scratching your head, it's worth knowing exactly what causes condensation. You're most likely to see this common problem in winter. This tells us that condensation is caused by the difference in the air temperature inside your home and the outside environment.
Increase ventilation
Ventilation can stop moisture being trapped and leading to condensation in your house. There are a few ways you can increase ventilation. Choose windows with 'trickle vents' or have vents fitted to your existing windows. These vents naturally allow air to transfer outdoors.
At night, almost all year round, the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures means that condensation is always a possibility. In Britain, night-time temperatures usually fall below the dew point from the start of autumn through to late spring.
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air meets a surface (or air) of a lower temperature. Where the two temperatures collide, the warm air loses its ability to hold moisture and the moisture it can no longer hold is deposited (condenses) onto the cold surface.
A dehumidifier works by drawing in the moisture laden air to help reduce condensation and damp problems.
Opening the windows to reduce damp from condensation
Condensation occurs when humid, warm air becomes trapped in your home and then meets a cold surface, like a window. Opening a window allows humid air to escape from your home, thus reducing condensation.
By and large, insulation keeps a house warmer – including the inside surface of the walls. Condensation is less likely to build up on a warm surface, so insulating a whole property reduces risk.
Ventilation Systems for window condensation
The best option for getting rid of condensation permanently is installing a ventilation system in your home.
A little condensation on the inside or outside of your window isn't a major cause of concern. Wipe it away when you see it, and take steps to reduce the humidity in your house during the winter. And if there's a little condensation on your windows in the morning – don't worry.
To stop condensation forming on the walls in your bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom, you should: Open your windows to allow air to circulate more freely. Open the trickle vents on your windows at night and keep bedroom doors open.
While condensation itself isn't harmful to us, the mould that it may lead to is also terrible for our skin and lungs. Many respiratory issues can be triggered by mould spores, including asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as worsening cases of eczema and hives, for example.
It's only when you have excessive condensation on the windows, or the condensation is between the window panes that you should be concerned.
Adequately heating your home can help to reduce condensation and damp, so keep temperature levels consistent, especially in those rooms that you may not use often. A heating thermostat can be useful for this. Avoid using paraffin heaters as these tend to create excess moisture.
However, it's important to know when to turn the unit off. Once temperatures drop to around 65 degrees, it's best to turn the dehumidifier off.
No, your dehumidifier should not have to run constantly to regulate the air humidity. An optimal humidity level to shoot for is between 30 and 50 percent.
Dehumidifier Placement Guide
To ensure the humidity in the balanced, position it at least 12 inches from walls and other objects so air can circulate freely. Avoid placing the unit near window panes or any drafty area to prevent cold air from entering and affecting its performance.