If you’ve noticed an increase in the amount of condensation on your windows, you’ll probably be wondering what is causing it and how you can stop it, especially as a lot of condensation on your window frames, windowsills and walls can lead to problems with mold and staining. Thankfully, finding the cause of condensation is fairly straightforward and once you’ve identified the problem, there are several steps that you can take to minimise condensation and make your home mold free.

So what does cause condensation?

Condensation occurs when the warm, moist air inside your home meets cold surfaces like windows or exterior walls and condenses back into water. Condensation is most noticeable on windows because they are normally the coolest surfaces in your home. Well-fitted windows won’t let the warm, moist air escape from your home like older, draughty windows do.

Where does the moisture come from?

Every time we breathe out, we release moisture into the atmosphere so every home will have some moisture in the air. The level of moisture in your home can be increased by cooking, having a shower and drying clothes, all of which will cause more condensation to appear on windows and walls.

What can you do to reduce condensation?

In order to reduce condensation, you need to control the levels of moisture in your home and the easiest way to do this is through installing adequate ventilation throughout your property. By having extractors, vents and fans placed around your home, you can help moisture to escape from your interior without compromising your home’s energy efficiency or increasing heating costs. Insulation and heating can also help to reduce condensation in your home. In general, low level heating is the most economical way to heat your home and prevent condensation.