What is Condensation?

• It starts as moisture that is produced by cooking, washing and using gas.
• This moist air condenses on cool surfaces such as walls, mirrors, wall tiles, windows and even some clothes.
• When the moist air is warm it rises and often ends up on ceilings and in upstairs rooms. It then forms mould.

CONDENSATION CAN OCCUR IN ANY HOME. YOU CAN TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT IT:

Control excess moisture:

• Close kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam going into other colder rooms
• Open kitchen and bathroom windows when cooking or washing so that steam can escape
• Open some windows in other rooms for a while each day to allow a change of air
• Do not use bottled gas heaters
• Wipe down surfaces where moisture settles to prevent mould forming
• Do not block air vents
• Use your extractor fan or ventilation unit (if one is fitted). Both fans and ventilation units are usually controlled by automatic humidistats that respond to the level of moisture in the air. They are very cheap to run (approx 10p for 60 hours continuous use).

Produce less moisture:

• Dry clothes outdoors whenever possible, otherwise use well ventilated rooms
• Cover pans when cooking
• Vent any tumble driers to the outside

Keep your house warm:

• Take steps to prevent heat loss
• Maintain low background heat