Condensation is caused by warm, moist air hitting a cold surface. It is most noticeable in bathrooms and kitchens but it can also affect other rooms. With proper ventilation, condensation can be avoided or reduced.

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Condensation can be reduced by doing the following:

​Open windows to help water in the air to escape your home.

​Leave the “trickle vents” open. On most modern windows there will be a vent on the window frame which can be opened. These will let water out without losing the heat from your home.

​Avoid drying clothes on a radiator; instead, use a drying rack. (these are available from Amazon; contact the office if you do not have an Amazon account but wish to purchase one, click here).

​Close the door and open the windows when cooking, showering or bathing.

Leave a gap between furniture (such as wardrobes) and the walls to allow air to circulate. About one hand’s width should be adequate.

​Make sure both kitchen and bathroom extractor fans are working. To test them, hold a sheet of paper over the fan when it’s on. If it stays there when you take your hand away it is functioning. If you think it is broken, please contact your housing officer.

Sometimes condensation can cause a black stain on walls and paintwork. This can be washed off using a suitable cleaner or diluted bleach solution (repeat if necessary). However, if the stain doesn’t go away please contact your housing officer.

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Using heating and electricity effectively

Heating and hot water account for two thirds of fuel bills. To save money, utilise all appliances economically to avoid wasting energy:

​Turn down the central heating by one degree.

​Turn off the heating when it is not needed at night or when there is no one at home. In very cold weather, keep some heating on low, to prevent frozen pipes.

​In the Spring, adjust heating and hot-water settings to lower temperatures.

​Block draughts eg. fit a flap over the letter box and put draught strips around door frames and window frames.

​Electric fires and fan heaters are always expensive to run, so keep their use to a minimum.

Adjust your routine:

​How often is hot water needed?

Can the temperature of the hot water be lowered?

​Can radiator thermostats be turned down?

​Does the heating really need to be turned on first thing in the morning?

​Does the heating need to be turned on before going to bed, or can it be turned off an hour or so, beforehand?

​All of these tips can help reduce condensation.