Condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces. Excess humidity may also contribute to condensation. Central heating that turns on during the cool winter hours is likely to release a significant amount of warm air in the heated rooms.
Household activities such as showering, drying clothes and cooking have also been observed to bring unwanted moisture on nearby surfaces.
The condensed water may seem harmless, but failing to eliminate it immediately can have devastating effects. It offers breeding ground for black mould to appear and spread on the walls, windows and ceilings. Mould gives any surface an unpleasant appearance.
As the amount of mould in your house increases, the risk of contracting serious respiratory complications such as sinus, bronchitis and skin rashes increases.
How can you deal with condensation in your house?
The best way of dealing with moisture in your house is improving the ventilation system, regulating humidity and installing adequate insulation material.
Ways of preventing condensation
- Provide adequate ventilation for the washing machine
Tumble driers and washing machines need to be properly vented to allow efficient circulation of air. One machine is capable of emitting two liters of water vapour into the air. If you have it installed in your kitchen, the condensation will become worse owing to the additional amount produced by cooking activities.
- Close bathroom and kitchen doors
Kitchens and bathrooms are the leading rooms in terms of condensation. Close the door whenever you are taking a hot shower, boiling water on the kettle or cooking. This prevents warm air from getting into colder rooms where it vaporizes on all cold surfaces.
- Dry your clothes outside
Instead of letting your clothes inside your house, try to dry them outside. This enables excess moisture to escape into the environment. If you can’t access an outdoor area, hang the clothes in your bathroom, then open the windows and keep the door closed.
- Cover pans with lids when cooking
Lids help contain moisture inside the pan. Use an extractor hood if there is a provision for one. If you have an extractor fan, make sure that you let it run for around 15 minutes after you are done cooking. This allows all the moisture in the air to disappear completely.
Consider getting a smart extractor fan that senses excess humidity and acts accordingly.
- Cover up aquariums
Did you know that house plants and pets produce a significant amount of moisture?
It is good to cover fish tanks to contain the excess moisture inside the tank. If you notice condensation or damp patches around areas where you keep your potted plants, it might be a good idea to move them elsewhere or outside.
- Don’t fill cupboards and wardrobes up to the brim
It is good to leave a little room in your kitchen cupboard to act as ventilation. Overfilled wardrobes trap warm air which attracts mould because the air inside isn’t circulating freely.
If your cupboard has a musty smell, the air inside might be damp. Consider reducing the number of items in the shelves.
