Condensation can cause landlords numerous problems over the winter months, and if left unresolved, it can really burn a hole in your pocket. Aside from all the hassle, possible redecorating and initial costs spent on trying to find a solution - not to mention the time it can take - condensation could lead to insurance claims, a visit from environmental health and, potentially, the loss of tenants.
The first signs of condensation are usually streaming windows, walls and even doors - and it does not end there! Over time this will affect the decor of the property, wallpaper may start to peel, mould (usually black) will appear on window frames, walls and ceilings. In time, the mould will migrate to soft furnishings, fabrics, bedding and clothes hung up in wardrobes. The main source for excess condensation in a property is simple – poor or inadequate ventilation.
Today, modern homes have been subject to various energy saving measures with improvements such as double glazing and loft and cavity wall insulation. Whilst helping to prohibit heat loss these improvements effectively ‘seal up’ the home, preventing the natural flow of air within the property. High occupancy levels along with the daily routine of cooking, bathing, washing etc, also add to the problem. Good ventilation is vital for both the fabric of the building and the health of the occupants.
Top tips to help minimise condensation
It’s a tricky one but try to advise your tenants to keep the inside temperature reasonably constant for as much of the time as possible. The following tips should also help to reduce condensation:
- Clothes should not be dried over the radiator, where possible avoid drying clothes indoors. However, for a lot of people there is no alternative to this, especially in winter.
- Place clothes on a drying airer or rack in a well ventilated room with the door shut.
Tumble dryers should be properly vented - the condensate reservoir should be empted on a regular basis (if the machine has one). - Existing extract fans should not be disabled, however tempting it may be for the tenant to switch them off! - Test the noise levels, are they very noisy? If the answer is yes it is more than likely the tenant will keep them switched off.
- It's common sense but extract fans should be used by the tenant(s) when cooking or bathing/showering, and keeping the pan lids on whilst cooking will also help to avoid excess steam.
The last tip involves a tiny bit of housekeeping:
Check the existing extractor fans in the property, do they work? If an extractor fan cannot hold a postcard then they are not providing sufficient ventilation and should be replaced.
With soaring fuel costs and ever prevalent security risks – opening a window is not a practical long term solution.The only real way to banish condensation is to improve the indoor air quality with good ventilation but where do you start?
Mr Venty to the rescue
EnviroVent has a wide range of eco-friendly ventilation systems including the Mr Venty Range of condensation control systems. What’s more, EnviroVent even offer a free, no obligation home survey to determine and recommend the correct type of ventilation for the dwelling. The Mr Venty Range of products work by delivering fresh, filtered and clean air into the property, gently ventilating it. They are quick and easy to install, no redecoration should be required.
To find out more about how EnviroVent can help you banish condensation call 0845 2727 807 or visit www.homeventilation.co.uk
I always wondered how to test the efficiency of an extractor fan by yourself, so thanks for sharing about testing with a postcard.