Many Irish households wake up to their walls and windows damp
Condensation on a window
Households are being advised of ways to beat bedroom condensation this winter, as overnight temperatures begin to dip.
If left alone, a build-up of condensation can lead to issues with mould and damp, so tackling it is essential.
Moisture from breath, lack of ventilation, and cold window surfaces all contribute to a buildup of condensation on windows. It can be particularly bad in bedrooms, as warm air from breathing during the day and night in the enclosed space adds to the humidity in the air.
Where there isn’t enough airflow, moisture gets trapped inside the room. But, there are easy hacks for people to improve ventilation, decrease moisture in the air and prevent the increase of condensation.
The experts suggest really simple changes, and something as simple as moving furniture away from bedroom walls can make a difference when it comes to increasing air flow and minimising condensation.
Rebecca Swain, expert from WinstonsBeds.com, said: “We have all experienced a buildup of moisture in our homes during the colder months, and tackling window condensation can feel like a bit of a losing battle.
“Although it can be heard to rid your home completely of condensation during autumn and winter, there are a few ways for households to make a difference.
“It doesn’t need to be as expensive as buying a dehumidifier if that’s out of your budget, you could simply move your furniture away from your walls, keep windows open while showering and avoid drying clothes in your bedroom.”
Here are tips on avoiding bedroom condensation:
Avoid drying clothes in your bedroom
If you hang wet clothes in your bedroom to dry, they will release moisture into the air and raise the humidity levels, which creates condensation. If you must dry your clothes inside, do so in a room with lots of windows and keep them open to allow damp air to escape the room. If you can, place drying clothes in a south-facing room so that the sunlight can dry them faster.
Open windows when using your ensuite
If your bedroom has an ensuite, make sure to open all windows when bathing or showering. You may also need to keep them open for some time after showering, in order to allow all of the moist air to escape and reduce moisture in the bedroom. Make sure to always turn on your extractor fan when using the bathroom.
Keep a consistent temperature
Extreme changes in temperature can cause issues with condensation. Try to keep your home at a consistent temperature, between 18-21 degrees, to prevent cold temperatures from condensation forming.
Check your insulation
If you are having little luck trying to keep condensation out of your bedroom, it may be worth checking your insulation to ensure there are no gaps or defects causing cold spots.
Move your furniture
You can actually decrease condensation by slightly moving all of your furniture away from your bedroom walls to increase airflow. Moist air cools on contact with cold surfaces, so putting distance between furniture and your walls can make a big difference.