Is condensation worse in unheated homes?

Author: Lilliana Tremblay  |  Last update: Monday, April 21, 2025

THE TEMPERATURE OF YOUR HOME Cold air is more likely to deposit droplets of condensation around your home. Air is like a sponge, the warmer it is, and the more moisture it will hold. Heating one room to a high level and leaving other rooms cold makes condensation worse in unheated rooms.

Does a cold house make condensation worse?

If moist air cannot escape to the outside of your property it stays in your home. It moves around until it finds a cold spot where it can condense. There is always some moisture in the air, even if you cannot see it. If the air gets colder, it cannot hold all the moisture.

How to stop condensation in an unheated room?

The best solution is to insulate the building as best you can; make sure you include a good vapour barrier; seal all the drafts and use a dehumidifier to cut the humidity. You will likely have to turn the dehumidifier up as far as it will go.

What is the ideal house temperature to avoid condensation?

The temperature in your home

This can cause condensation. Keep doors of unheated rooms open to allow some heat into them. Ideally your home should be heated between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius, but older people, babies and people who are less mobile may need it to be warmer.

Does heating the house reduce condensation?

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.

How To Get Rid of Condensation | Solutions Debunked

How do I stop condensation in my house so much?

Condensation in the home can be stopped by reducing humidity and increasing ventilation. Less humidity in the air means less water vapour to turn into condensation. And increased ventilation provides a way for water in the air to escape.

Is a heater or dehumidifier better for condensation?

Use a Dehumidifier

It can be used in any room in the home that experiences condensation and damp problems. A dehumidifier can also be used to assist with drying laundry and removing moisture from kitchens and bathrooms following cooking and showers.

Will an unheated house get damp?

If a building is not adequately heated during the winter months, it can cause problems for the residents in terms of comfort, but it can also lead to damage to building fabric and exacerbate issues with damp and mould.

What temperature will stop condensation on windows?

yet if the surface temperature of your windows is 40 degrees – only five degrees warmer – you will not have condensation on your windows.

How to set a thermostat to avoid condensation?

To get it right, Elizabeth Reilly from GreenSavers, 8-time ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year, advises, 'For most homes, setting the thermostat between 68-72° Fahrenheit (20-22° Celsius) will work well to balance comfort, energy-efficiency, and to keep dampness and mold at bay. '

How to get rid of condensation in house during winter?

Ways to Reduce Condensation in your Home
  1. Use Pan Lids When Cooking. ...
  2. Close Kitchen & Bathroom Doors. ...
  3. Dry Clothes Outdoors. ...
  4. Turn on Your Extractor Fan When Using Your Shower. ...
  5. Ensure That Washing Machine Is Correctly Vented. ...
  6. Move Furniture Away from External Walls. ...
  7. Install an Extractor Fan.

Should you wipe condensation off windows?

If you already have condensation on your windows, here's how to remove it effectively: Wipe Windows Regularly: Use a clean, dry cloth or window squeegee to remove moisture from the glass. This is a temporary solution but can prevent further issues like mold or damage to window frames.

Do cold walls cause condensation?

Cold walls can also cause condensation to form on your walls which can lead to issues like mold. If you notice that your walls feel damp, then you should take action quickly to resolve the problem and avoid damage to your property.

Will better windows stop condensation?

Replacing single glazing with double or triple glazing will give the window an internal layer of glass, insulated from the temperatures outside, which can warm up with your room and reduce condensation. This will also help to keep the room warmer, enabling the air to hold onto more moisture.

How do I reduce moisture in my room in the winter?

Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation.

Why do some houses have more condensation than others?

If the warm air can't escape through an open window or air vent, it moves around until it finds a cold surface where it cools and forms condensation. Homes that are heated intermittently are more likely to suffer with condensation problems than homes that are heated continuously.

What temperature should I keep my house to prevent condensation?

The best way to avoid damp and mould is by keeping your room temperature and humidity at the optimum levels. Try to maintain a consistent room temperature of around 20 °C, and avoid letting it drop below 16 °C. The humidity should be between 30 and 60%, any higher and there is too much moisture in the air.

Does a cold house cause condensation on windows?

Condensation is created by excess moisture in the air that forms on cold surfaces. Usually on windows when it's colder outside than inside. The air around us contains lots of microscopic droplets of water that we can't see.

How to stop condensation on windows overnight in winter?

How to Stop Condensation on Windows Overnight. Dealing with condensation overnight requires quick and effective solutions. Consider using a dehumidifier to lower the moisture level in your room, keeping a window slightly open for better airflow, or using moisture-absorbing products like silica gel.

Is it okay to leave a house unheated in the winter?

If you fail to take reasonable measures to keep your home heated in the winter, not only could you suffer from burst pipes and water damage, you could also face coverage exclusions in your homeowners policy.

What is the best temperature to remove humidity?

Set the thermostat to a consistent temperature, even at 78°F, to keep humidity levels in check. Invest in a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are designed to extract excess moisture from the air. Place one in areas like bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms for best results.

Does a cold house make damp worse?

Condensation, damp and mould

Colder homes often have more problems with damp and mould. Damp can also cause deterioration of the building, making it harder and more expensive to repair. We've got lots of information about preventing damp and mould here and top tips for keeping your home warm cheaply here.

What draws moisture out of walls?

Use fans to move air around the damp walls. Also use dehumidifiers, which can help remove moisture from the air and walls. Professionals use tools like moisture meters, infrared imaging devices, dehumidifiers and heavy-duty fans. That ensures the walls are truly dry before further repair, painting or refinishing.

How to prevent condensation on walls in winter?

To stop condensation forming on the walls in your bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom, you should:
  1. Open your windows to allow air to circulate more freely.
  2. Open the trickle vents on your windows at night and keep bedroom doors open.
  3. Use extractor fans when bathing or cooking, or open windows to allow moist air to escape.

How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier 24 hours a day?

An example dehumidifier that can extract up to 20 litres a day, with a wattage of 480W would use 0.48 kW every hour. This means that an hour's usage would cost just 12p. In comparison, an example dehumidifier that can extract up to 12 litres a day, with a wattage of 157W (0.157 kW), would cost just under 4p an hour.

Previous article
Should I water tomatoes in pots every day?
Next article
What are the three main considerations that determine the required standpipe system installation?