Solution to Condensation Problems

Condensation is the most simple damp problem to resolve. It is frequently possible to solve it cheaply and quickly without the need for professional assistance.  

If you have condensation in your home, you must take the following steps:

Browse our gallery and continue reading to learn how to get rid of condensation problems, whether you do it yourself or hire someone to help.

Our best dehumidifiers can assist you in reducing damp or mould in your home.

Condensation occurs when humid air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as walls and windows. As the temperature drops, the amount of moisture in the air decreases, and tiny drops of water form on the surface.

The air in your home is naturally moist, but the amount of moisture in the air is increased by the release of water vapour during cooking, bathing, and showering, as well as respiration. If condensation is allowed to accumulate on your walls for an extended period of time, it can penetrate the outer layers of your walls and seep into furniture, where it can become a long-term issue, causing mould to grow.

Improve ventilation to prevent condensation.

Better ventilation aids in the reduction of condensation issues. This can be as simple as remembering to open windows when you get home, or if you have windows that lock when partially open, leaving them open more frequently will help.

Ventilation options for a more permanent solution include:

• Putting air bricks (with small holes) in the outside walls
• Installing air vents through internal walls or sealing chimneys to allow for airflow throughout the home
• Installing roof ventilation tiles and/or ventilated soffits (under the roof and guttering) to allow air to circulate through the loft.
• Adding window vents to window frames' tops

Keep in mind that these measures may result in some heat loss from your home, so weigh that against your damp problem. You should consult a specialist to determine the best course of action.

Utilize extractor fans, cooker hoods, and dehumidifiers.

The majority of the moisture in your home is caused by your bathrooms and kitchen. If your bathroom lacks an extractor fan, you should consider installing one and using it every time you shower or bathe.  

A good cooker hood in the kitchen can be an effective way of reducing condensation build-up while cooking. Extraction hoods, which use ducting to send air outside, are generally the most effective at removing steam and moisture. The best will work quickly and quietly to remove moisture and odors while preventing grease from forming on your kitchen surfaces. Check out our buying guide for the best range hoods to learn more

If extractor fans aren't cutting it, a dehumidifier, which draws moisture out of the air, should be considered. These can be especially useful if you frequently dry clothes inside the house, which is another common source of excess humidity. There are various types and brands available, so educate yourself on how to purchase the the most effective dehumidifier to find one that is suitable

We've heard from a number of Which? members who have successfully dealt with condensation by ventilating 'I open windows for better ventilation and use a dehumidifier to reduce water content in the air,' one person explained. '

In a condensation-prone room, installing an extractor fan is a must. Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a qualified electrician in your area who has been vetted by Which? , and that you can rely on to install your extractor fan properly.

Ventilation throughout the house

There are larger systems available that claim to improve ventilation for more serious condensation problems.

We spoke with EnviroVent, a Which company. Trusted supplier of whole-house ventilation systems and extractor fans for bathrooms and kitchens. Positive Input Ventilation is a system recommended by EnviroVent. It draws in fresh air from outside the building and distributes it to all rooms via a centralized system that is typically mounted in the loft.  

'A conventional extractor fan, such as one found in a bathroom or kitchen, is an effective way of removing humid air from a building to reduce condensation that causes damp; however, an extractor fan simply removes air,' the trader explained. A Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) System closes the airflow loop by controlling and filtering the air drawn into the building to replace the humid air removed by the extractor fan. A Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system is a whole-house ventilation system that improves the air quality in all rooms. '

Condensation removal: heating and insulation

As water evaporates and condenses each time your central heating turns on and off, sudden changes in air temperature can exacerbate a condensation problem.  

You may discover that setting your heating to a constant low temperature is better for damp (and for your air temperature) than allowing it to fluctuate between hot and cold.

If you do this, make sure you have the best energy deal first. Which? Switch allows you to compare gas and electricity prices.

Because cold spots on walls or ceilings increase the likelihood of condensation, better, more consistent insulation can be an effective solution. Cavity wall and loft insulation, as well as having specialist insulation materials installed on the exterior of your home, can all help.  

See our expert guides on improving your insulation for more information. where to purchase loft insulation and how to purchase wall insulation  

Keep in mind that in some cases, cavity wall insulation can be the source of damp, but this is uncommon. For more information, see our penetrating damp advice.

If you have single-glazed windows, this could be a contributing factor. Because single-glazed windows are much colder on the inside than double-glazed windows, they are more prone to condensation. Our information on double glazed windows reveals the best and worst double glazing companies, as well as the average costs  

If you decide to add more insulation or double-glazed windows, make sure to balance it with good ventilation in your home (as mentioned above), or all of the extra energy-saving measures may cause damp problems to reoccur.  

In the short term, keep your windows clear of condensation so it doesn't cause damage or mold growth. This is simple to do with a towel, tissues, or, for open windows, a squeegee.

Alternatively, there are some window vacuum cleaners on the market that claim to help you remove condensation from your windows quickly and easily.

When possible, try to keep the amount of condensation in your home to a minimum. On sunny days, try to dry clothes outside rather than on radiators, and open windows when cooking, washing up, or showering if you don't have an extractor fan. Learn more about how to improve your home's indoor air quality.