Heating

Advice on boilers, radiators, central heating systems and keeping your home warm and energy efficient.

Condensation, the Facts: Dealing with Condensation

4th October 2018

If you have noticed damp or mould starting to develop, TrustATrader gives you tips on how to deal with condensation

We have already looked at what causes condensation; here we take a look at ways that you can deal with it.

Getting rid of condensation depends on at what stage you notice your problem; ideally, you will take preventative measures before the problem causes damp or mould. If you have noticed damp or mould starting to develop, it is worth speaking to a damp specialist to make sure that they are caused by condensation, and not something else, before taking the following measures.

Ventilate when using condensation-inducing appliances

This is simple yet extremely effective; try to do the following in the winter:

Boiling vegetables on the hob? Reduce the amount of steam emitted into the air by boiling with the lids on (they’ll cook quicker too). Switch on the extractor fan and, if you don’t have one, try to keep a window open while you are cooking.
Taking a shower? Keep the door closed and window open while you are showering and for a few minutes afterwards to avoid a build-up of condensation.
Using the tumble dryer? Make sure the room is properly ventilated. If you use a vented tumble dryer with a flexible hose which goes out of the window during use, never use it without putting the hose well out of the window.
Drying clothes on the radiator? Don’t. Drying clothes inside is a necessary evil for most people in wetter weather but when you put wet clothes on the radiator, you are literally inviting condensation in. What’s more, the wet, warm air produced by the combination of wet fabric and hot metal could cause immediate damage to wallpaper.

Try to improve air quality in your home

Many double-glazed homes were built before double glazing existed; adding double glazing locks air into buildings which are not equipped to provide sufficient ventilation. However, even newer properties can suffer from condensation. The first thing to do to get your condensation problem under control is to remove the existing water. Use a squeegee to get rid of droplets on mirrors, windows and glass doors as it starts to develop and use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry water on walls and furniture.

You can prevent future build-up of condensation quickly, easily and cheaply with dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers literally suck air in, remove the water, and spit the air out again. You can buy a small dehumidifier for as little as £25. Invest in a few and put one in each room affected by condensation, then watch with satisfaction as the water tank fills up!

You can also help prevent condensation by making sure your home is evenly heated; keeping the heating on low and constantly is much better for your home than sudden changes in temperature caused by having it on high for a couple of hours a day. Thermostats will help you to make sure each room is of a similar temperature; for more information about the best boiler for your home, contact a reliable local plumber.

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Looking for more heating advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common heating questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What is the difference between a combi boiler and a system boiler?

A combi heats water straight from the mains on demand - no cylinder needed, which makes it compact and ideal for smaller homes or flats. A system boiler works with a hot water cylinder, storing a ready supply that can serve multiple taps or showers at once without the pressure dropping - better for larger homes with more bathrooms. There's also the conventional boiler, which needs both a cylinder and a cold water tank in the loft - common in older properties. A heating engineer can help you figure out which suits your home best.
Is an air source heat pump right for my home?

Heat pumps pull warmth from the outside air (even when it's cold) and use it to heat your home and hot water. They work best in well-insulated homes, ideally with underfloor heating or larger radiators that work well at lower temperatures. In draughty or poorly insulated properties, the benefits are more limited. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers a grant of up to £7,500 towards installation, so it's worth getting a professional assessment to see whether your home is a good fit before committing.
How often should a boiler be serviced?

Once a year, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It keeps the boiler running safely, catches small issues before they become expensive, and is usually a condition of the manufacturer's warranty. Some home insurance policies require proof of regular servicing too. If you're not sure when yours was last done, book one before winter - better to find out before you're sitting in a cold house!
Why is my radiator cold at the top but warm at the bottom?

This issue is almost always trapped air. Bleeding the radiator - using a radiator key to release the air - usually sorts it, and it's one of the few heating jobs you can safely do yourself. If bleeding it doesn't work, or if several radiators are having the same problem, it might be a pressure or pump issue. Worth getting a heating engineer in to have a look.
What are the signs my boiler needs replacing?

Keep an eye out for: frequent breakdowns, energy bills going up without using more heat, unusual noises (banging, kettling, or whistling), a flame that's yellow or orange instead of blue, and any visible leaks or rust around the unit. If your boiler is over fifteen years old and ticking any of those boxes, replacing it is usually the more economical choice - modern boilers are significantly more efficient.
Is underfloor heating worth it and do I need a professional to install it?

For a new build or a big renovation, underfloor heating is often a great investment - it heats rooms more evenly than radiators and can be more efficient, especially alongside a heat pump. Retrofitting in an existing home is more of a job, and how worthwhile it is depends on your floor types and how much disruption you're happy to deal with. Either way - wet or electric - it has to be installed by a qualified professional.
Why does my boiler keep losing pressure?

Some pressure drop over time is normal, but if you're topping it up regularly there's usually a cause: a small leak in the system (which isn't always easy to spot), a pressure relief valve that's releasing water, or air in the system after bleeding radiators. Topping it up via the filling loop is fine as a short-term fix, but if you're doing it more than a couple of times a year, it's worth getting an engineer to look into why it keeps happening.

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