Stay healthy this winter by preventing condensation
The cold temperature is not the only problem though besetting many homes. As the temperature falls, condensation rises, creating moisture on windows each morning which will eventually cause mould and damp, and associated health problems. Condensation is particularly noticeable in conservatories, which can be dripping with water at this time of year!
Chris Michael from Meaco, a leading UK supplier of dehumidifiers and air purifiers, gives his top tips for preventing this annual winter nightmare.
Cut down the moisture you are producing:
Put lids on saucepans when you boil or steam vegetables.
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Hide AdUse an extractor fan when you bath or shower or open the window for 5 minutes afterwards.
Don’t dry washing on radiators, use a clothes horse and put it in a room with an extractor fan.
If drying clothes in a tumble dryer make sure it vents to outside.
Warm up your house:
Open curtains and blinds during the day to warm rooms up and to prevent moisture being trapped around the windows.
Don’t block up any air bricks
Don’t let furniture touch outside walls: leave a small gap.
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Hide AdOpen doors on built in wardrobes on outside walls and try to avoid clothes and shoes from touching outside walls.
Keep gutters clear to make sure water does not spill down your walls
Don’t build patios above the damp course.
Consider buying a dehumidifier. This will help get rid of the excess moisture in your home, so preventing condensation, damp and mould, and will make your home drier and cheaper to heat. The Meaco DD8L Zambezi dehumidifier has a Which? Best Buy Award, works well at low temperatures, is cheaper than using a tumble dryer to dry clothes, and adds warmth back into a room.
“If you do have a damp house, just turning up your heating in the winter will not get rid of condensation”, comments Chris Michael. “A damp house means damp air, and raising the heating thermostat will only heat up the wet air molecules, rather than raise the room temperature. A room will feel warmer if you are heating dry air. This is where a dehumidifier comes in. Follow the above advice and you will save on your heating bills and feel snug and healthy all winter!”