BCP Council Homeowner Advice Booklet Condensation & Damp

Download Our BCP Council Homeowner Advice Booklet Condensation & Damp Request Printed Resources for your Organisation

Contents

  1. What causes condensation?
  2. Do’s and don’ts
  3. Heating
  4. Ventilation
  5. Insulation
  6. Housekeeping
  7. What else creates moisture and can lead to condensation?
  8. Funding
  9. Healthy Homes Dorset
  10. Local Energy Advice Partnership
  11. Energy & Money Saving Booklet
  12. Existing cavity wall issues
  13. Checklist and action plan
  14. Help and assistance

What causes condensation?

During autumn and winter, many homes experience condensation. This occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, like windows, tiles, or external walls.

This can result in:

  • Water droplets on surfaces
  • Smelly black mould (which can cause health issues)
  • Damage to clothes, furniture, shoes, books, and decorations

Condensation affects all types of properties:

  • Modern homes may lack sufficient ventilation despite being insulated and heated.
  • Older homes may have poor insulation, making it hard to maintain warmth.

Do’s and don’ts

Heating

  • Maintain a regular and even temperature of 18–21°C.
  • Condensation tends to form when the temperature drops below 15°C.
  • Use thermostats, timers, and radiator valves to control heating effectively.
  • Avoid blocking radiators with furniture or other obstructions.
  • Warm rooms before opening windows to allow moisture to escape.

Ventilation

  • Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Keep trickle vents on windows open.
  • Open windows to let moist air out and fresh air in.
  • Keep furniture at least 100mm (4 inches) away from walls to allow airflow.
  • Do not overfill wardrobes; keep them aired.

Insulation

  • Check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to see what insulation your property has: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
  • Use reflective foil behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room.
  • Ensure loft insulation is at least 300mm (12 inches) thick.
  • Keep curtains closed at dusk to retain heat but ensure they’re tucked behind radiators.
  • Draught-proof wooden doors and windows where possible.

Housekeeping

  • Dry clothes outdoors whenever possible, even in cold weather.
  • Use saucepan lids when cooking.
  • Avoid boiling kettles excessively.
  • Wipe condensation from windows and sills regularly.
  • Wash mould-affected items and avoid bringing mouldy belongings to a new property.
  • Use a dehumidifier if moisture levels are high.

What else creates moisture and can lead to condensation?

  1. Air humidifiers
  2. Fish tanks without lids – Water evaporates quickly and adds moisture to the air.
  3. Soaking dishes and pans – Evaporating water contributes to humidity.
  4. Gas heaters – Combustion generates as much moisture as the gas burned.
  5. Baths and showers – Steam increases moisture levels.
  6. Boiling kettles – Creates unnecessary steam.

Funding

Healthy Homes Dorset

  • Free energy advice for all households.
  • Offers cavity wall and loft insulation funding.
  • Eligibility includes conditions such as cardiovascular disease, low income, recent immigration, or being aged 65+.
    Visit: www.healthyhomesdorset.org.uk

Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)


Energy & Money Saving Booklet

  • Tips on reducing energy bills, including boiler use, storage heaters, insulation, and budgeting.
  • Tailored to Dorset residents.
    Access: Energy & Money Saving Booklet

Existing cavity wall issues

Over 90% of homes in Dorset that can have cavity wall insulation already do. If issues arise:

  • Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA): Check for valid guarantees.
    Website: www.ciga.co.uk
  • Installation Assurance Authority (IAA): Ensures work meets high standards.
    Website: www.theiaa.co.uk

Checklist and action plan

  1. Ensure extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens work properly.
  2. Use saucepan lids when cooking.
  3. Open curtains during the day to let in light and warmth.
  4. Avoid drying clothes indoors.
  5. Check your heating controls and understand how they work.
  6. Regularly monitor your energy usage via a smart meter or account app.

Help and assistance

Visit the BCP cost-of-living pages for advice on energy bills and wellbeing:
www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help

Download Our BCP Council Homeowner Advice Booklet Condensation & Damp