How can I reduce Condensation in my home?
All living organisms give off humidity simply by existing: humans, animals, even plants. Then there’s the humidity we create with our everyday activities. Changing some habits or making minor lifestyle tweaks can make a lot of difference and help reduce the amount of condensation that occurs in a home.
Showering or bathing
The bathroom is the most humid place in the home. Taking a shower releases huge amounts of humidity into the air – the hotter it is and the longer it is, the more water vapour is released. So, where possible, try to reduce this avoidable humidity source and keep your shower at a reasonable temperature for as short a time as possible. You’ll save on your bills as well! If you have one, open a window. Ideally before or during the shower but definitely after, and leave it open for 10-15 minutes at least to let that humid air escape outside fast. If you don’t have a window then you should have a mechanical fan. Make sure this is running during the shower and for 15-20 minutes after. Make sure also to use a decently sized bathmat to avoid saturating bathroom floors when getting out of a bath or shower. The bathmat should help soak up some of the moisture, helping to reduce the condensation in the room, especially if it is put in the dryer along with the wettest towels.
Cooking or using a kettle
Kitchens are the second biggest source of humidity in the home. Cooking, kettles and other appliances all release steam, so be sure to use pan lids when cooking to reduce moisture being created from water boiling. Make sure also to have a cooker hood that’s set to extract and use it all the time while cooking and for a short time afterwards.
Close kitchen & bathroom doors
Bathrooms and kitchens are the worst culprits for condensation. When cooking food, boiling the kettle or taking a shower, ensure that the kitchen or bathroom door is kept closed to prevent the moisture in the air from going into colder rooms which will cause condensation to form if it touches a cold surface.
Laundry
It’s difficult in the winter, but try not to dry laundry inside on an airer or radiator when it’s cold outside as every load releases pints of water into the air. If you can, dry clothes outside or if that isn’t a possibility dry them in an exterior-vented or condensing dryer.
Gas hobs & ovens
When natural gas or propane and butane burns it releases water vapour, carbon dioxide and potentially carbon monoxide. Make sure you have adequate ventilation to ensure it can escape outside.
Home renovations
If you’re painting or plastering large walls in your house, these surfaces will need to dry, and the moisture will go straight into the interior air unless the space is well ventilated. Keep your windows open where possible when decorating.
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