KEEPING the windows open is an excellent way to stop mould and condensation from infesting your home.
If mould builds up, it could cause an issue with your health so it’s important to keep an eye on it.
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If left untreated, mould can pose a risk to vulnerable Brits with existing health problems like eczema or asthma.
But don’t worry – stopping the growth of mould can be as easy as keeping your windows open.
There’s a certain time in the day to do it for the most effective results.
Karl Huckerby, a cleaning expert from Spare And Square, reckons you should do it twice a day – in the morning and before you go to bed.
He said: “I recommend opening windows in bedrooms for five to 15 minutes in the morning, and again in the evening before bed. Let’s say 8am and 10pm.
“This not only helps to release any built-up condensation, but lets fresh air into the room, ridding it from air pollutants that are especially harmful during flu and cold season in winter.”
And if you’re cooking in the kitchen or using the bathroom – where there might be more steam and condensation build up – it’s best to keep the windows wide open meanwhile.
But there are precautions to take nonetheless.
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Mr Huckerby continued: “Being mindful when opening your windows is essential, and has many benefits when it comes to the heat in your home, as well as energy bills.
“When you open your windows in the morning and evening, this should be done while the heating in the room isn’t turned on.
“This is because heat is escaping through the windows, therefore your energy is wasted and the thermostat needs to be turned up in order to keep the room warm.”
He also recommends you keep internal doors closed while you have the windows open to prevent cold air from drifting to other rooms.
You can also use draught excluders to help with this – we rounded up a few cheap ones to buy in our guide.
Although you should double-check prices before heading out in case they’ve changed since then.
When it comes to reducing condensation, Mr Huckerby said keeping your home at a consistent temperature is also essential.
He added: “Condensation is caused when warm air hits cold surfaces (such as walls and windows), so preventing these surfaces from reaching particularly cold temperatures in the first place helps to prevent condensation in the first place.”
More ways to reduce condensation
Opening your windows isn’t the only way to prevent mould build up, and Mr Huckerby recommends others as well.
Extractor fans
Firstly, he said to make sure your extractor fans are working.
These are the fans you find in kitchens and bathrooms, and they help remove excess steam from the air and therefore prevent a build-up of condensation.
He said: “Old extractor fans can do a poor job, meaning that you have to open your windows for an extended period of time in order to get rid of steam and condensation.
“Newer extraction fans can actually do such a good job that you will be able to keep window-opening to a minimum, which is great when it comes to saving energy and keeping your home warm.”
We also included the best way to clean your extractor fan in our guide.
Dehumidifier
You may also want to consider getting a dehumidifier.
Mr Huckerby said: “Although dehumidifiers themselves use energy to work, they are a great help in removing vast amounts of condensation in a relatively short period of time.
“As well as this, a good quality dehumidifier can make a difference to your whole home instead of just one room. Most good dehumidifiers are automatic, meaning that they will turn on and turn off when desired humidity levels are reached.
“It’s recommended in our homes that humidity levels stay between 40% and 60%, and dehumidifiers can ensure this, and therefore ensure condensation doesn’t become a permanent feature in our homes.”
Recently, a few shoppers spotted a dehumidifier for £50 at Argos.
But always keep in mind that their efficiency depends on the model and the size of your home.
And do be aware of running costs.
A dehumidifier could be driving your annual energy bill up by nearly £30, according to Which?.
If you use a dehumidifier for one hour every day, it will cost you £28.52 a year, it has estimated.
That’s based on figures on how much energy will cost under the new energy price guarantee (EPG) tariff.
We also spoke to a window fitter who had key tips for preventing mould in the home.
For example, opening the trickle vent in your window frames is a good way to make sure your home is ventilated without letting heat escape.
