What Is Condensation?
Condensation is what happens when water changes from a vapour to a liquid. Moisture is present in your home at all times, but is usually invisible. When the air is warm, it holds water molecules as vapour. The warmer the air, the more water it can hold.
However, as the air temperature drops and/or the air becomes too saturated with water, it transforms into a liquid.
A great example of this process in action, is when you take a cold can of fizzy drink out of the fridge on a hot day, or by the presence of dew on the ground in the morning.
The reason condensation most commonly appears on your windows is that the air temperature in your house is warmer than the temperature of the glass. When the water molecules hit the colder surface… voila, they become droplets!
Why Is Condensation So Damaging?
As we mentioned above, dampness can be damaging to your home and to your health. A regular presence of water can cause wood to root, wallpaper to peel, flooring to warp, and paint to lift. Now that is just the damage that you can see.
Imagine what might be going on behind the scenes in the framing or roofing of your home. Something as simple as water can cause a lot of damage that is costly to repair.
Dampness also creates a breeding ground for nasty things like mould and mildew. They are unsightly to look at and even worse for your health. They can be linked to a number of respiratory illnesses and other germs or nasties. Basically, you don’t want mould!
How To Prevent Condensation
There are many ways to avoid condensation, but the two most significant aspects are ventilation and temperature. If you have those two factors under control, you should be able to eliminate excess dampness in your home. So, our number one recommendation is to…
Install A Heat Pump
Your aim is to keep the air of your home consistently warm while avoiding any sudden rises or drops in air temperature. Heat pumps distribute heated air evenly and are energy efficient. They are also a cost-effective and sustainable way to heat your home. We recommend that you regularly service your heat pump to ensure it is running at optimal efficiency.
DBS Electrical specialises in heat pump installation and servicing, so get in touch with us today to find out about a heat pump at your place.
Install A Ventilation System
While a heat pump keeps the water in a vapour form, you still need a good ventilation system to expel the moist air and introduce fresh, dry air. Home ventilation systems take warm air from the roof cavity or outside the home, filter it, and spread it through the house. This ensures a steady stream of fresh air all year round.
Have Good Insulation
A well-insulated house helps maintain constant warmth during the winter months, dramatically reducing condensation.
Double Glaze Your Windows
If your windows are warm, there is less chance of the water vapour turning into drops when it hits them. Double glazed windows are far warmer than their standard counterparts. They also help to keep those power bills down by retaining the heat of your rooms!
Use Extractor Fans
Extractor fans are a great localised solution for particularly wet or damp areas in your home. Install and use extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom to funnel out all that wet air that is created during and after cooking or bathing.
Crack A Window Or Two – And Shut The Door!
When taking a shower or boiling the kettle, shut the door into the kitchen or bathroom to stop moist air from entering the rest of the house. It also pays to crack a window which encourages the damp air out. Better yet, open the windows throughout the house for a period every day to let the fresh air in.
Ditch The Houseplants
While plants are great and add some green to your home, plants also create moisture. During the colder months, try to shift them to an area where you don’t mind a bit of dampness.
Dry Your Clothes Outside
Think the moisture from your wet clothes magically disappears into thin air? Well technically, it only transfers to the air in your house. If you have no other option than to dry your clothes indoors, shut them in a separate room with the window open.
Use A Dehumidifier
Not a long-term solution and can be expensive to run non-stop, but at a push, a dehumidifier will remove excess moisture from the air. A far better solution is, of course, to have a heat pump or a ventilation system installed.
Now that you understand the causes of condensation, you will be able to take steps to prevent it. Give some thought to how you heat and ventilate your house through the winter months, and with our useful tips, you will enjoy a more efficient, drier, and healthier home.
As the weather cools and the rain sets in, now is the perfect time of year to have a heat pump installed at your place. Get in touch with us here at DBS Electrical to see how we can make your home warmer, drier and healthier this winter.