Everyone, whether they live in an old building or a brand new apartment, can acquire condensation on their windows.
Everyone can feel the effects of leaving it untreated for too long.
Condensation isn’t a cause for concern right immediately, but if you don’t address the issue, it might lead to longer-term issues requiring costly solutions.
Damp and mould can both cause damage to your walls and furniture.
With the cost of living problem affecting homes across the UK, people will naturally wish to avoid any pricey, needless, or unexpected expenses – but don’t worry!
There are several methods for reducing condensation in your home.
Why do you get condensation on your windows?
Condensation occurs when warm air collides with cold surfaces; this is known as the dew point, and it causes warm air to condensate into water droplets.
This is particularly typical in the winter when your central heating is turned on in the chilly mornings and evenings.
However, condensation is not limited to heating.
Cooking, showering, and drying clothes can all cause heated moisture to be released into the air inside your home.
When this moist warm air comes into touch with a cold surface, it swiftly cools and releases the water, which condenses into liquid droplets on the cold surface.
What problems can condensation cause?
While a little water may appear to be innocuous, if condensation is not removed promptly, it can stimulate the growth of black mould on your walls, ceilings, and windows.
According to Check A Trade, the average cost of eliminating mould from a property is £1,790 – an expense that many people will wish to avoid as heating prices stay high.
However, the consequences of mould can be far-reaching – black mould can grow further, destroying your things, especially if they are stored near a draughty place.
Mold, for example, can spread through your garments if you have a closet near a window or a door.
Mold, in addition to being expensive to repair, can cause health problems such as bronchitis and other respiratory disorders.
How to reduce or remove condensation on your windows quickly
When it comes to condensation, prevention is easier than ‘fixing’ long-term damage, so being proactive is essential.
Fundamentally, the only long-term solution to condensation is to invest properly in both ventilation and insulation.
However, there are some quick fixes you can try to get rid of it in the short term.
Keep windows open
Keep a window open during cooking and after taking a shower, if possible.
The primary method of preventing condensation is to increase ventilation in the area.
Keep bathroom doors locked since water vapour from the shower will travel elsewhere, producing condensation in adjacent rooms.
Thick drapes should not be hung over windows since they induce condensation.
Use pan lids
While it may be a minor change, it can have a significant impact.
When you utilise pan lids when cooking, you instantly prevent a substantial percentage of the moisture from escaping.
Keep extractor fans on
Leaving your extractor fan on in the kitchen and shower can also assist.
Instead of turning it off immediately once you’ve finished, leave it on for an additional 15 minutes.
If it’s too chilly outside, turn on your extractor fan during your shower and, in colder months, leave it on for a little longer than usual after your shower.
Vent your washing machine properly
Make sure your washing machine and tumble dryer are correctly vented in your home.
If your white goods are more than four feet away from your vent stack, you should add a vent. This is critical since every load releases water into the air, which can lead to condensation.
A plumber should be able to tell you if your machine is adequately vented.
Dry clothes outdoors when possible
While the weather in the UK isn’t ideal, you should dry your clothing outside whenever feasible to avoid condensation.
Even if you dry your clothing indoors, you should never dry them on radiators.
This is because it prevents heat from exiting your space and traps moisture within it.
Invest in a dehumidifier
You could also think about getting a dehumidifier. These absorb moisture in the air and keep it away from your windows.
Relocate those houseplants
Glass Doctor also recommends shifting your houseplants; the more plants you have, the more moisture you’ll find in the air.
If they can withstand the cold, try bringing them outside during the winter to help eliminate moisture.
Evaluate your insulation
Finally, a more expensive (but long-term) solution would be to improve your home’s insulation.
If you haven’t already, consider upgrading your windows to double glazing. This offers other advantages, such as lowering the cost of your heating expenses over time.
