Wipe down windows
This is a fantastic place to start because your windows are likely to be the first sign of condensation. Although this is not a preventative strategy per se, it will assist to remove some of the moisture from the room and more importantly will help to avoid mould growth.
This is a job that needs to be done frequently, first thing in the morning. Use a piece of kitchen towel or absorbent cloth to gently wipe away the liquid that has formed on your panes and ensure they are dry.
Ventilate
While many contemporary windows will feature ‘trickle vents,' the great majority of older homes will need to be manually aired in order to avoid condensation. This does not, however, imply that you must leave your windows open 24 hours a day, nor does it have to result in your energy usage going through the roof, either.
For most households, all that is required is a simple 15-minute airing, which can be done in the morning while you are wiping down your windows and turning on your heating for the day. Opening your home to the outside world will allow any overnight moisture build-up to leave, and the relative humidity of the air within will naturally begin to decrease as your home heats up.
Ventilation is also important when cooking or drying clothes, so try and let that moist air out whenever you can. A little tip for you here; don’t forget to put a lid on those boiling pots, too!
Place your furniture wisely
Keep any large pieces of furniture, such as chests of drawers, wardrobes, sofas, cabinets, and so on, at least 5cm away from your walls to allow air to circulate behind them. A tip here would be to keep such furniture away from external walls as much as possible, as external walls are naturally colder than inside walls, allowing for more condensation to form.
Maintain a constant temperature
Setting your thermostat to a low, even temperature will help prevent cold spots from occurring in the home, which will lessen the chances of condensation taking hold. Make sure you keep that heat going throughout the day, even when you’re not at home, as this will also help keep condensation at bay.
Dehumidify
Since excess moisture in the air is a major contributor to condensation, it makes sense to remove as much of it as possible and a dehumidifier does just that! These nifty little machines absorb damp air and push it out in favour of dryer, warmer air, while collecting the excess moisture in a chamber for later disposal. Pretty cool right?
Not only are they great for when your property is going to be left empty for a while, but they’re also superb for quickly removing moisture after cooking, showering, and other high humidity tasks.
Check out your insulation
Insulation can make a significant impact on the amount of condensation that forms in your home, especially if you have cavity walls. Loft insulation and double glazing will also help you keep your home at a consistent temperature to help prevent that unwanted condensation.
That’s it! You should now be a condensation prevention expert! If you need any other property advice, give us a call. We’re always happy to help.