As autumn falls so too does the risk of increased condensation and mould but experts say there is an easy way to stop that
Autumn is definitely on the way with a noticeable change in temperature in the air. And while many will love the season, famed for it’s cozy vibes and vibrant outdoor colours, the season also marks the return of some challenges in the home.
Condensation is one problem that returns in autumn months and it can feel like a battle keeping it, and the associated mould it can cause at bay. Meteorologically, autumn begins on September 1 and the autumn equinox falls this year on September 22.
And it is one of the worst times of the year for the dreaded condensation which happens when the heating is turned on again.
Condensation forms when water collects on cold surfaces when warm air comes into contact with them.
It’s common on windows and while it can be wiped away, it’s often a daily task and can cause mould to grow which can be damaging to health and your property.
Experts say there is a way to help prevent condensation in your bedroom – where it forms because of breathing and perspiration while sleeping.
Screwfix suggest a simple way to tackle it is to keep your curtains open while you sleep. And while this might seem strange, there is science behind their tip.
On their website they said: “Closed curtains are great draught excluders, but they also prevent the windowpane from being warmed up by central heating.
“This makes the glass colder than it could be, therefore causing condensation.
“Keeping curtains open at night means the glass temperature will stay closer to the room temperature so condensation won’t form.”
If you can’t envisage sleeping with the curtains open there is another way to help prevent the annoying water build-up in your home.
They added: “If it’s not practical to keep curtains open, changing them to thinner curtains will still make a difference.”
They also suggest always sleeping with the windows open as a way to stop the water droplets forming.
They said: “The warm air people breathe out while sleeping increases humidity. There’s nowhere for the moist air to go when windows are closed, so it turns into condensation.
“Opening a window, or putting it on the latch, allows the warm air to escape instead of creating condensation on the window surface.
“Roof windows often have an air vent built in that can be opened without unlocking the window itself, often a safer alternative than having the window open overnight.”
Householders have also been told to prepare for the imminent change of season by ‘burping’ your home from now.
This involves opening the windows throughout your house for brief periods, around 10 minutes each time.
It is said to encourage the circulation of fresh air and will help to prevent condensation which, in turn, prevents the growth of mould.
