Moisture production is caused by everyday living, from cooking to having a shower. Normally moisture will remain in the atmosphere, but as the room air temperature drops, the ability for air to hold moisture reduces, and the air becomes saturated. This leads to water droplets forming as condensation on cold surfaces such as walls, windows, metal and most commonly on the bathroom mirror.
Condensation occurs mainly during cold weather, whether it is raining or dry. It does not leave a ‘tidemark’ on walls. It appears on cold surfaces and in place where there is little movement of air such as behind large furniture and in bay windows.
It can be spotted in the corners of windows, around window frames, in or behind wardrobes and cupboards and often forms on north-facing walls.
An average household will produce approximately 14 litres of water per day, adding up to well over 98 litres or 21 gallons per week. Large pets such as dogs can also produce the same amount of moisture as an adult.
Modern features such as double glazing and loft insulation are important to keep homes warm, but they can contribute to poor circulation. In the past there would be a natural escape for hot, damp and poor-quality air around window frames, doors, uncarpeted floorboards, and up the chimneys. However, buildings are now designed to cut down heat loss and therefore inhibit natural ventilation particularly if there are no trickle vents on windows.
With high costs of heating, we don’t want to keep windows open all day, so we need to minimise the problem as much as possible.
What can you do about condensation?
The four main ways to deal with condensation are:
- Produce less water vapour or steam in your home
- Don’t let the water vapour and steam that is produced spread all around the house.
- Keep your home ventilated
- Keep your home warm
To deal with a condensation problem effectively, you will probably need to do all four, though the first three are the most important and can be done at no cost.
Produce less water vapour
The amount of condensation depends on how much vapour is in the air. Many everyday activities add to the water vapour level in your home, but their effect can be kept to a minimum.
Cooking
Cover pans when you are cooking, don’t leave kettles and pans boiling longer than necessary.
Drying clothes
- Hang washing outside to dry whenever you can
- If you have a tumble dryer make sure it’s a self-condensing or vented outside.
- If you have dry washing indoors use the bathroom and keep the door shut and the room well ventilated.
- Do not hang wet washing on radiators all round your home- doing so is likely to cause condensation problems.
Bathing
Keep the bathroom door shut and the room well ventilated.
Also ensure there are air gaps behind bed, furniture, sofas etc in the house. If they are up against walls there is no ventilation. Please make sure wardrobes are not filled to the maximum as they need air circulation.