WITH the UK’s unpredictable weather, maintaining a steady temperature at home can be a real challenge.
Even as spring approaches, many households are still feeling the chill – especially for those trying to save money by keeping the heating off.
An expert has revealed their top temperature tip to prevent condensation[/caption]
With energy bills on the rise yet again, many people are using their heating less and less.
However, a consistently cold home can lead to condensation, which encourages mould growth – something that’s bad for both your home and your health.
Damp living conditions can cause a range of issues, making daily life uncomfortable and turning simple tasks, like drying clothes, into a struggle.
Fortunately, this problem can be easily managed by maintaining a specific temperature at key times throughout the day.
“Condensation comes from cooking, cleaning, bathing, even breathing.
“Condensation will form on the coldest surfaces in the room first, these cold areas are usually around windows, the corners, and external walls,” explains UK engineering company The Hyde Group.
“Condensation occurs mainly during cold weather, whether it is raining or dry.
“Condensation is not necessarily a problem, as long as the surface has time to dry out every day.”
The Hyde Group reports: “The World Health Organisation guidelines suggest 21 degrees in a living room and 18 degrees in the bedrooms, falling lower at night and when you are out.
“You don’t need to keep your home at these temperatures all the time, but you should aim to bring it up to these temperatures at least some of the day.”
Fortunately, tackling dampness doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
We previously revealed an expert’s simple yet effective ways to remove it from your walls – and prevent it from returning.
Paint and interiors specialist Lucy Steele, from Valspar Paint, revealed an easy five-minute trick that uses a common kitchen staple.
She explained: “How you fix the damp depends on the cause of the problem.
Some damp paints let you paint it directly onto the damp patch, whereas others might need a dry surface to adhere to
Lucy Steele
“If you think there’s a problem with your exterior wall, roof, or you have rising damp, call a specialist who will help identify the cause and fix the problem.”
For dampness that can be managed at home, Lucy suggests a natural solution: “Try using white vinegar for areas of mould found on porous surfaces.
“This trick is especially useful if the damp has extended below the surface.
“The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mould and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing.”
Beyond removing existing damp, Lucy also shared how to prevent it from spreading by using the right type of paint.
She advised: “When painting over a damp patch, you should always use a specialist paint. Paints designed for damp often have properties that treat the problem as well and stop it from coming back.
It is recommend to make have the bedroom at 18 degrees[/caption]
The World Health Organisation guidelines suggest 21 degrees in a living room[/caption]
“They also let moisture escape, meaning there won’t be a build-up of damp.
“So if you’ve fixed the root cause, using a specially formulated damp paint should put a stop to the problem for good.”
Damp stains can be particularly tricky to cover, but the right paint makes all the difference.
“Our damp seal permanently seals and blocks damp stains from spreading, so it won’t ruin your topcoat,” Lucy added.
“Some damp paints let you paint it directly onto the damp patch, whereas others might need a dry surface to adhere to.”
Cheap condensation hacks
1. Use Salt or Cat Litter
– Place bowls of salt or silica-based cat litter in areas prone to dampness. These materials are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air.
2. DIY Dehumidifier
– Create a simple dehumidifier using a plastic container with a lid. Punch holes in the lid, fill the container with silica gel or activated charcoal, and place it in humid areas.
3. Ventilate When Cooking and Showering
– Open windows or use extractor fans when cooking or showering to let moisture escape. Even a small gap can make a significant difference.
4. Wipe Down Windows
– Regularly wipe down windows and other cold surfaces with a dry cloth to remove condensation. This prevents moisture from accumulating and causing mould.
5. Use Houseplants
– Certain houseplants, like peace lilies and spider plants, can help absorb moisture from the air. They also improve indoor air quality.
6. Keep Lids on Pots
– When cooking, keep lids on pots and pans to reduce the amount of steam released into the air.
7. Dry Clothes Outside
– Whenever possible, dry clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area instead of using indoor drying racks.
8. Open Curtains and Blinds
– During the day, open curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to warm up windows and reduce condensation. Sunlight also helps to reduce mould growth.
9. Use Towels Wisely
– Keep towels and other fabrics away from walls and windows to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming damp.
10. Seal Cracks and Gaps
– Use inexpensive weatherstripping or caulk to seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors. This helps to keep cold air out and warm air in, reducing condensation.
