Have you noticed condensation building up on your windows every morning? As the cold weather sets in, more and more homeowners up and down the country will be wiping their windows dry each morning.
But how is condensation caused? It’s the result of excess water in the air and at this time of year it’ll be caused by a number of factors. For instance, your heating will have been switched on for the colder months and you’ll likely be drying clothes inside rather than putting them on the line.
And when moisture in the air hits a cold surface, you have condensation. This can cause a number of problems in your home, including mildew, damage to wallpaper and paint and even rot.
Want to eliminate condensation in your property? Then have a look at are useful tips below:
- Moisture Absorber
Moisture absorbers are small containers that can be placed on your window sill or another area prone to condensation. They take water from the air using natural salts and ventilation. Don’t worry, they’re not powered by electricity so there are no running costs and simply need a space with at least 10cm clear all around.
- Humidity Absorbers
Again these are similar devices to the moisture absorbers, but instead have an internal capsule that sucks water out of the air. This is rather than it settling on your window panes and causing condensation. Refills are typically needed every 6-8 weeks.
- Avoid drying clothes on radiators
During the winter it’s not really feasible to dry clothes outside, so instead many people opt to put them on radiators. However this is just making your condensation problems worse. Instead it’s best to dry them in a well-ventilated area with a clothes horse, such as a porch, conservatory or utility room. If you use a tumble dryer then fix the vent so the excess moisture is exiting the home rather than being kept inside.
- Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are a favourite for many homeowners because they’re the quickest way to remove moisture from the air. In fact, some dehumidifiers will remove as much as 20 pints of water a day. They condense water and collect it in a tank which will need to be emptied when necessary. And don’t worry, because there’s an automatic cut-off point when it’s too full to prevent spillages.
What about replacing my windows?
All the above mentioned measures help to deal with the moisture in the air, but you could go one step further.
Replacing the windows in your home with double glazing will not only cut condensation build-up, but provide you with a number of other benefits too.
Double glazing is extremely energy efficient, locking more heat in your property. This means you’ll be able to reduce your annual heating bills by up to £300, especially if you have old and inefficient single paned installations in place now.
On top of this, as your home is warmer, the inner pane won’t be cold so the moisture has nowhere to settle. In fact, your new windows will have inbuilt ventilation so the moisture can exit the property without compromising your home’s energy efficiency.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]Replacing your inefficient windows with double glazing will help you save up to £200 a year on expensive household bills.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Installing double glazing is an environmentally friendly option, slashing carbon by 680kg annually.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]As well as a monetary saving, double glazing will cut condensation and reduce noise pollution.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Switching your old windows will boost your property’s EPC rating and make your home a more attractive buy in the market.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]For homes in Conservation Areas, consider secondary glazing to make energy savings when double glazing isn’t permitted.[/tweetable]