Condensation in Your Home

What is Condensation?

Condensation is moisture caused by everyday living and occurs when warm moist air comes in to contact with cooler air, or a cold surface.

When moisture vapour from condensation builds up over a period of time within your home, you may begin to see damage to walls, fabrics, floors and ceilings from this condensation. Mould may also appear as a result.

If you can control condensation, then you can reduce the risk of mould growth in your home.

What Causes Condensation?

How to Prevent Condensation

Step 1 - Produce less moisture

The more moisture there is in the air, the more likely it is your home will get condensation. You need to try and produce as little moisture as you can.

• Avoid drying your clothes indoors on radiators and clothes racks. if you have to dry clothes indoors, put them in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open or extractor fan on.
• When cooking, cover saucepans with lids and keep the kitchen door closed.
• After activities such as washing and cooking, make sure a window is open or that the extractor fan is on.
• If you have a tumble dryer, make sure this is vented to the outside.
• Avoid paraffin and gas heaters, as these create extra condensation.
• Do not run your shower for longer than you need to.
• Mop up any condensation or excess water that has formed each day, for example, on the windows.

Step 2 - Remove moisture

Ventilation is vital to a healthy home. It is important to allow plenty of fresh air into your home, as otherwise the indoor air will become stale and humid, leading to unhealthy conditions.

• If you get the opportunity, open windows throughout your home each day.
• If you can, keep your vents on the windows open at all times.
• After you have had a bath or shower open the bathroom window or leave the extractor fan on until the steam has cleared, leaving the door shut.
• Ensure you leave the extractor fan on for 20 minutes after the activity, to ensure most of the moisture is removed from the air.

Step 3 - Keep your home warm

It is important to maintain a temperature of above 19°C throughout your home, to ensure mould spores do not start to grow.

• Heat all rooms, even if they are not being used.
• Do not place any furniture or belongings in front of radiators, as this will stop them from heating the room efficiently.
• Do not use portable LPG (Calor Gas) heaters. These are prohibited for use in our properties for health and safety reasons.
• Do not use your heating on a high setting for short periods of time, maintain a lower temperature over a longer period. This will keep your home warmer and doesn’t necessarily cost more.
• If your radiators have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), these will give you greater control to regulate the temperature in each room.

Step 4 - Managing mould

If mould has formed within your home as a result of condensation, it is important that you treat the affected areas immediately.

• Apply a product recommended for mould to the affected areas. Products such as anti-fungal spray are available from supermarkets and hardware shops, ensure you follow the instructions carefully. Do not use bleach. 
• Wipe down the inside of your windows if they become wet with condensation and wring out the cloth rather than drying it on the radiator.
• Try not to place furniture against outside walls, as mould is more likely to grow where no dry air has been able to circulate. 
• When redecorating your bathroom or kitchen, use anti-mould paints specially formulated for these areas.

If you experience any problems with your heating system or extractor fans, call us on 01202 410 500.

Remember both BCHA as the landlord, and you as the customer, are responsible for keeping condensation within your home under control. if you follow the above advice but the mould and condensation persist after 28 days, please contact your Tenancy Officer on 01202 410 500 for further help.

For more advice on preventing and treating mould in your home, please visit: ww.bcha.org.uk/home