Contents
- What causes condensation?
- Do’s and don’ts
- Heating
- Ventilation
- Insulation
- Housekeeping
- What else creates moisture and can lead to condensation?
- Funding
- Healthy Homes Dorset
- Local Energy Advice Partnership
- Energy & Money Saving Booklet
- Existing cavity wall issues
- Checklist and action plan
- 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?
- Air humidifiers
- Fish tanks without lids – Water evaporates quickly and adds moisture to the air.
- Soaking dishes and pans – Evaporating water contributes to humidity.
- Gas heaters – Combustion generates as much moisture as the gas burned.
- Baths and showers – Steam increases moisture levels.
- 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)
- Free in-home visits to offer energy-saving advice and install measures like LED bulbs and draught-proofing.
- Eligibility based on annual income under £31,000 or receiving benefits.
Visit: www.ridgewaterenergy.co.uk/projects-and-services/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
- Ensure extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens work properly.
- Use saucepan lids when cooking.
- Open curtains during the day to let in light and warmth.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors.
- Check your heating controls and understand how they work.
- Regularly monitor your energy usage via a smart meter or account app.
Help and assistance
- National Energy Action: www.nea.org.uk/get-help
- Property Care Association: www.property-care.org
- Mould Growth Consultants: www.mgcltd.co.uk
Visit the BCP cost-of-living pages for advice on energy bills and wellbeing:
www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help