How Do I Prevent Condensation?

Seven Tips To Reduce Condensation Problems:

• Do not turn off or disable extractor fans and use them when bathing or cooking
• Keep extractor fans well maintained and regularly clean air filters so that the fan can run efficiently and remove moist air effectively.
• Try to keep the temperature in your home consistent  so that the air does not cool too much and lose the ability to hold water vapour.
• Avoid drying clothes indoors, especially over any radiators as this can release large amounts of moisture into the air.
• If you use a tumble dryer, ensure that it is properly vented and empty the condensate tank regularly.
• Keep furniture away from walls to allow space for air to move.
• Wait until your dishwasher is cool before opening it to prevent clouds of water vapour being released intoo your rooms..

Many people will choose to open a window to remove condensation within the home, the problem with this is that the outdoor air tends to have more moisture and a higher humidity than indoors.  This will lead to further condensation problems once you close the window.

Having humidity levels of 50% or higher in your home can damage your property and can make allergies and asthma problems worse. Condensation occurs when there is excess moisture in the air and nowhere for this moisture to naturally escape. Condensation can most often be found on cold windows in the morning, however hidden condensation on exterior walls that can soak in and create damp patches is often overlooked until it is too late.

Will a dehumidifier prevent condensation?

If you have excess humidity in your home, you might consider a dehumidifier as a first step as they are fairly inexpensive, easily picked up and don't require any installation. Unfortunately, dehumidifiers are only really a solution if your home is lucky enough to be incredibly breathable because they rarely have enough capacity to draw sufficient moisture from the air to prevent condensation.

Dehumidifiers were seen as the solution to moisture problems the drawback with these units is that they are only effective in the room that they are placed, they need to be emptied on a daily basis and they can consume anywhere between 50 to 800 Watts.

Dehumidifiers must be cleaned regularly or black mould will start to grow inside the water tank.  This can cause a wide range of health problems including allergic reactions, lung problems and irritation.

When excess moisture in the air comes into contact with cold surfaces it creates water droplets, the most obvious places you will see this is on windows, but it can also occur on walls where it is more of a problem as it can soak in to cause damp. Kitchens and bathrooms are the biggest source of water vapoour in your home, and where you will often see condensation forming earliest. These rooms often surpass the dew point meaning windows and walls can quickly become saturated during cooking or bathing. 

When there is nowhere for this excess moisture to go it will dampen window frames and internal walls which can lead to damp and mould. Damp and mould can also lead to serious health problems, inhaling mould fragments or spores can inflame the airways, causing nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of indoor dampness can reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma. 

To permanently stop condensation in the home you need a continuous source of fresh air. Good ventilation of kitchens when washing or drying clothes or cooking is essential along with a source of ventilation in your bathroom to remove moisture from taking a shower or bath.

Wall vents alone are not sufficient to combat condensation but will help circulate air when used in conjunction with other systems such as extractor fans. In some buildings bathrooms or toilets do not have windows. However ventilation will be provided usually by mechanical means. It is important that all ventilation systems are used properly.

Unfortunately, due to the British weather the extent of the condensation problem can be so bad that prevention on its own will not solve the problem and you will need to make arrangements to control the condensation in your home.

If you don't control the condensation in your home you will end up with damp and black mould, both of which are very damaging to you and your families health. The best way to stop condensation, is to invest in a ventilation solution. 

EnviroVent have a range of ventilation solutions from extractor fans to whole-house solutions. We offer a free home survey as standard, to asses your ventilation needs and offer the best advise possible.