Dorset Council Homeowner Advice Booklet Condensation & Damp

Download Our Dorset 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

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?

  1. Air humidifiers: Add moisture directly to the air.
  2. Fish tanks without lids: Increase evaporation rates.
  3. Bottle gas mobile heaters: Produce as much moisture as gas burned.
  4. Soaking crockery: Water evaporates from sinks and pans.
  5. Baths and showers: Generate steam that adds to moisture levels.
  6. 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:


Checklist and Action Plan

  1. Ensure extractor fans are clean and functional.
  2. Use saucepan lids when cooking.
  3. Check windows for trickle vents and ensure they are open.
  4. Avoid drying clothes indoors.
  5. Minimize clutter to improve airflow.
  6. Monitor energy use via smart meters or apps.

Help and Assistance

For further advice, search: “Understanding damp and mould Gov UK.”

Download Our Dorset Council Homeowner Advice Booklet Condensation & Damp