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
Disclaimers
- The websites printed in this booklet are not endorsed by Ridgewater Energy or Dorset Council.
- Tips and advice stated in this booklet are suggestions and may not be applicable to every home.
- Seek professional advice if unsure and follow manufacturers’ guidelines when using any product.
- Website links may be updated periodically; try searching the relevant words in Google to find new links.
- Information is correct as of October 2024.
Did You Know?
- A family of four can produce 30–40 litres of water each week from breathing, adding moisture to the home!
- Drying clothes indoors can add 10–15 litres of moisture weekly, more with thick jumpers and towels.
- Showering, bathing, and washing can add 20 litres of moisture each week.
What Causes Condensation?
During autumn and winter, condensation is common in homes. It happens when warm, moist air contacts a cold surface, like:
- Windows
- Tiles
- Toilet cisterns
- Mirrors
- External walls
This creates water droplets that may lead to:
- Smelly black mould, which can cause health issues
- Damage to clothes, furniture, shoes, books, and decorations
Condensation affects:
- Modern homes: Often well-insulated but poorly ventilated.
- Older homes: Usually poorly insulated, making them harder to heat consistently.
Do’s and Don’ts
Heating
- Maintain a regular, even heat between 18–21°C.
- Condensation tends to form when temperatures drop below 15°C.
- Use thermostats, programmers, and radiator valves to control heating effectively.
- Avoid blocking radiators or heaters with furniture.
- Warm the room before opening windows to lift moisture off surfaces.
For storage heaters:
Follow specific usage guides, such as this one: shorturl.at/gMNT1
Ventilation
- Use extractor fans in bathrooms, shower rooms, and kitchens.
- Open windows to release moist air and let fresh air in.
- Keep trickle vents open on windows and ensure fixed vents are unblocked.
- Avoid overfilling wardrobes and ensure furniture is at least 100mm (4 inches) from walls to allow airflow.
If drying clothes indoors is unavoidable:
- Open a window and close the door to that room.
Insulation
- Check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for insulation details: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
- Use reflective foil behind radiators to reflect heat into the room.
- Loft insulation should be at least 300mm (12 inches) thick.
- Draught-proof wooden doors and windows.
For help with draught-proofing, check LEAP services:
www.ridgewaterenergy.co.uk/projects-and-services/leap
Housekeeping
- Dry clothes outdoors whenever possible.
- Wipe condensation off windows and sills daily.
- Use saucepan lids when cooking to reduce steam.
- Ensure tumble dryers are vented to the outside.
- Use a dehumidifier if moisture levels are high.
Additional tips for windows:
- Apply a small spot of washing-up liquid to prevent condensation.
- Rubbing a cut potato onto the window and buffing it off may also help.
What Else Creates Moisture?
- Air humidifiers: Add moisture directly to the air.
- Fish tanks without lids: Increase evaporation rates.
- Bottle gas mobile heaters: Produce as much moisture as gas burned.
- Soaking crockery: Water evaporates from sinks and pans.
- Baths and showers: Generate steam that adds to moisture levels.
- Boiling kettles: Release unnecessary steam.
Funding
Healthy Homes Dorset
Supported by Dorset Council, Public Health Dorset, and BCP Council, this program helps homeowners access advice and funding for:
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
Eligibility includes:
- Cardiovascular or respiratory conditions
- Mental health conditions
- Disabilities
- Low income
- Aged 65 or over
- Families with children under 5
- Pregnant individuals
- Recent immigrants or asylum seekers
Visit: www.healthyhomesdorset.org.uk
Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)
LEAP provides free in-person home visits for advice and installation of energy-saving measures.
Services include:
- Free appliances (e.g., fridge-freezers, electric cookers, heated airers) for the most vulnerable
- Free LED bulbs, draught-proofing, and chimney balloons
Eligibility includes:
- Annual income less than £31,000
- Receiving benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Disability Allowance)
Visit: www.ridgewaterenergy.co.uk/projects-and-services/leap
Energy & Money Saving Booklet
This booklet offers advice on:
- Boiler and central heating usage
- Storage heater optimization
- Insulation
- Budget planning
Access: Energy & Money Saving Booklet
Existing Cavity Wall Issues
Most Dorset homes already have cavity wall insulation, but problems may occur due to maintenance or installation.
For guarantees:
- CIGA (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency): www.ciga.co.uk
- Installation Assurance Authority (IAA): www.theiaa.co.uk
Checklist and Action Plan
- Ensure extractor fans are clean and functional.
- Use saucepan lids when cooking.
- Check windows for trickle vents and ensure they are open.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors.
- Minimize clutter to improve airflow.
- Monitor energy use via smart meters or apps.
Help and Assistance
- National Energy Action: www.nea.org.uk/get-help/resources
- Property Care Association: www.property-care.org
- Mould Growth Consultants: www.mgcltd.co.uk
- Dorset Council Cost of Living Help: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
For further advice, search: “Understanding damp and mould Gov UK.”
Download Our Dorset Council Homeowner Advice Booklet Condensation & Damp