Condensation disappears from windows 'permanently' if you use one household staple
by Emily Chaplin, https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/authors/emily-chaplin/, Angela Patrone · Birmingham LiveCondensation is a familiar issue in colder months, as homes are sealed tight to keep the heat in, leading to warm air transforming into moisture when it hits a chilled window pane. Without attention, this moisture can pool on sills and foster dampness, setting the stage for stubborn mould growth.
It's a significant problem, with nearly 60% of private rentals reporting damp and mould, which can be costly to address and poses serious health risks. Experts at QFort, which provides insulatory joinery prodicts, have put forward several "permanent" solutions to stay ahead of condensation.
They highlight the importance of ventilation, advising homeowners: "No matter the season, remember to vent the rooms at least twice a day, 10 to 15 minutes each."
Read more: I tested a bestselling £12 dehumidifer for a year
Keeping windows clean during the cold becomes vital too. The pros propose: "We suggest that you regularly clean the exterior of windows with a special homemade window washing solution or hot water and white vinegar."
For an extra edge against condensation, they endorse using an "anti-condensation solution" wherever droplets tend to gather, and stress managing indoor humidity levels, reports the Express.
To "permanently reduce and even eliminate condensation" in your home, it's essential to cut down the water vapour in the air so that the relative humidity levels are between 30 to 50 percent. A practical solution for this is to invest in a dehumidifier, which works by drawing moisture from the air and condensing it on a coil inside the unit, resulting in "grey water" that collects in a bucket at the bottom of the device.
This water can be easily discarded down the sink or used to water plants. Although dehumidifiers produce some noise, they are highly effective at removing moisture.
You might be surprised at how quickly the collection bucket fills up with water that would have otherwise ended up on your windows. For those watching their pennies, there are cost-effective non-electric options available in many home stores that can be placed on a windowsill to tackle the problem.
Another tip is to choose windows with excellent thermal insulation properties, as insulating your home with such windows can offer lasting advantages.
These windows are engineered to keep warmth inside the home during the colder seasons and to stop the greenhouse effect in hotter times. However, it's important to remember that under specific circumstances, these types of windows can still cause condensation.
This is largely influenced by aspects like location, other building components, and the previously mentioned advantages.