Energy expert has shared the optimal temperatures for each room to reduce condensation risk, which can stop mould from appearing in your home
As UK temperatures plummet, more households are noticing condensation on their windows and doors. Steve Cox from SES Home Services has shed light on what causes these water droplets to form on your glass.
He explained: “Condensation is caused by cold temperatures outside reacting with the warm temperatures inside the home, causing air moisture, aka water droplets, to form.”
The expert stressed that it’s not just about maintaining a clear view, as this damp issue can cause real damage to your property. “This can cause damp, mould and damage to the window sills, and cause wooden window sills and flooring to swell. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to ensure that condensation is kept to a minimum.”
Thankfully, energy expert Ava Kelly from Love Energy Savings has pinpointed the ideal heating temperature ranges for each room in your home.
She clarified: “To ventilate homes and prevent condensation and mould, the ideal temperature for living rooms is 20 degrees, 23 degrees for the bathroom and children’s rooms, and 16 degrees for the bedroom and kitchen.”
Moreover, she shared a crucial tip to keep your home warmer and resistant to mould: “It’s also recommended that you never let the temperature of your home fall below 14 degrees.”, reports the Express.
It’s more beneficial to keep your home heated at a consistent lower temperature for longer periods, rather than cranking up the thermostat in short bursts.
This approach helps prevent those pesky condensation marks from forming. Steve recommended that households should maintain a “consistent temperature” throughout their homes, including in rooms that aren’t frequently used.
He warned that failing to heat and ventilate these areas, especially during the winter months, could lead to dampness and mould issues. However, there’s further steps you can take to ward off condensation, damp, and mould.
Steve suggested: “The best way to avoid condensation is to open the window trickle vents, which allow air moisture to move out of the building, which lowers the chance of condensation occurring.”
Trickle vents are small openings fitted at the top of window frames, designed to allow a controlled amount of fresh air. These ingenious little devices are crucial in combating condensation by allowing humid air to escape without letting all the heat out.
Especially useful for homes with double glazing which, whilst brilliant for insulation, can trap moist air indoors, trickle vents offer a perfect solution to keep your property comfortable yet adequately ventilated.
If you’re battling condensation on your windows, Steve has a fantastic tip that could help keep your home drier. He recommended: “Try opening them for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening to allow enough fresh air to enter without allowing too much warm air to escape.
“Ensure the windows are open as wide as possible, as this allows the process to happen quicker, as a short, intense blast of air is much better to ensure not too much heat is lost.”
Before rushing to let fresh air in, Steve urged people to turn down the heating first, explaining: “This will prevent warm air from condensing in cooler rooms.”
