Condensation

Condensation is formed by water droplets forming on a cold surface. The droplets are contained in the air as water vapour and only form as condensation when the air becomes saturated and is unable to hold anymore. Unless the most air can escape through an open window, air vent or extractor fan, the water vapour will find a cold surface and form condensation. In most cases the cold surfaces tend to be windows and walls but condensation can also form in places where there is little air movement such as behind furniture or in corners.

Condensation problems can lead to mould growth, which can have adverse effects on health conditions such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Warm moist air is produced by ordinarily daily activities such as washing bathing, cooking, drying clothes and even just breathing. There are few simple steps you can take to reduce condensation such as:

1. Try not to dry clothes inside the home.
2. Cover pans with lids when cooking.
3. Keep internal doors closed when cooking or bathing.
4. When excessive water vapour is produced allow for extra ventilation.

The problem can also be reduced by adopting the following measures:

1. Reduce cold spots on your walls by insulating.
2. Reduce the amount of water vapour produced
3. Extract the warm moist air and replace with fresh air.

To summarise, condensation can be controlled by having a good balance of effective heating, combined with insulation and controlled ventilation.