Heating

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

Simple Steps to Reduce Condensation: Part 2

3rd December 2021

Last week we introduced the bane of many people’s life: condensation and its nasty friend, mould. Condensation is a normal part of living in the Great British climate which sees plenty of cold, damp days and limited chance for sunshine to warm and dry things out. However, there are some really simple things that you can do to prevent, or reduce condensation. Last week we looked at 1-5, here are top tips 6-10.

Use, or install, an extractor fan

When you are cooking or showering, make sure that the extractor fan is switched on to help get rid of some of the steam. Once you have finished cooking or showering, don’t turn the extractor off immediately. Keep it running for another ten minutes or so to get rid of the last of the steam. If you don’t have an extractor fan, it is worth investing in one; the initial cost will be worth it if it means that you are not stressing and repainting all winter.

Vent, vent, vent!

Condensation is caused by a lack of ventilation and there is no better way to prevent or reduce it than by helping your house to breathe. This can mean opening windows when you can, but by installing vents you can dramatically decrease condensation build up. Speak to your local handyman, damp specialist or builder for a quote on installation.

Don’t overstuff cupboards

It’s not only rooms that need ventilation. Overfull cupboards and wardrobe will see warm air trapped inside; inevitably, mould and damp will arise inside. If you notice that your clothes smell a bit musty, your wardrobe is definitely overfilled – time for a clear out!

Heat carefully

The most efficient way to heat your home, both from a financial and condensation perspective, is to keep it low and steady. Don’t turn your heating off, whack it up to high when you are cold, then turn it off when you are hot; keep it at a slow and steady temperature which will keep your home just right and prevent condensation build ups that arise from extreme fluctuations.

Insulate

Insulation helps to prevent your exterior walls from getting too cold. This will automatically lead to reduced condensation, as well as reduced heat loss; just by insulating you will reduce your heating bills, reduce your carbon footprint AND reduce condensation: win, win, win! If you receive some benefits (including child benefit) you could be entitled to a free insulation upgrade under the Government’s ECO3 scheme. Speak to your local insulation specialist to find out more.

Hopefully these tips will help you to reduce condensation – and stress! Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more tips and advice, or check out our directory to find a trusted local trader near you.

Related tags

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.

Have a question about TrustATrader?

If you have a question in relation to TrustATrader specifically, please check out the TrustATrader FAQs, with separate lists tailored to consumers and tradespeople. Alternatively, get in touch with our team. We're happy to help!

Read FAQs Contact TrustATrader