It's a common problem that nobody wants to have to deal with in their home - and damp and mould can prove to be a particular headache in the colder months.
From causing unpleasant sights and smells to ruining clothes and furniture and even contributing to health problems including allergic reactions and asthma attacks, it's certainly important to keep damp and mould at bay. But it can be difficult to know how best to prevent it forming, especially during the cost of living crisis when many households are trying to keep their heating bills down as much as possible.
Mark Ronald, Lead Engineer at boiler and home cover provider Hometree, explained that there are a few key ways you can make the most of your heating system to stop damp creeping up in your home. It's also "crucial" to take steps to ensure your home is well-ventilated, he told The Express.
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One of the most common types of damp in the home is condensation, caused when moist air becomes trapped inside and hits a colder surface such as a window or wall, which can lead to mould forming. "Some signs to look for include water tide marks on the windows and walls, which will stream, causing deterioration of decoration, discolouring of window frames and eventually - growth of black mould," Mark explained. "All of these are a result of poor ventilation and air circulation."
One of the most common areas of the home where you'll find condensation is the bathroom, caused by the steam from hot baths and showers. According to the boiler expert, it's best to keep the bathroom door shut to stop the moisture escaping into the rest of the house, and opening a bathroom window if possible too in order to release the humid air outside.
Another area where damp is commonly found is behind furniture, as well as in the rooms of the house that are least used. Mark has issued three top pieces of advice on how best to prevent certain types of damp and help stop mould from forming this winter.
Change your heating temperature gradually
Many households may assume that cranking up the heating to full blast will help keep damp at bay - but this isn't always the solution, Mark warned. The expert explained that if the temperature of the home alternates between hot and cold as you put the heating on very high before turning it off, when you go out or go to bed for example, moist air is more likely to build up inside.
"As dramatic temperature changes can make condensation worse, try adjusting the temperatures of your heating gradually - a couple of degrees every half an hour," he advised.
Keep rooms ventilated
It may feel counter-intuitive to open the windows when the heating is on, particularly in the coldest parts of winter - but a free flow of air around the home is "crucial" to preventing condensation. "Despite wanting to heat a room, it’s important to let any moist air out to help create good airflow," Mark said.
This can be as simple as opening a window for just 10-15 minutes at a time - and if you are able to keep them slightly open in a locked position or have trickle vents that can be opened, these will work even better for air flow. You may also want to consider having air bricks fitted to help stop condensation on walls and ceilings - bricks with tiny holes in them that can be added to exterior walls to allow air to pass under the floor.
Heat every room
Another way to help prevent damp is to try keeping your home at a steady temperature as much as possible by heating every room. "If one room is cold and the other warm, it will lead to cold spots - these rooms are more vulnerable to condensation and damp," Mark explained.
While many households may be keen to avoid putting their heating on as much as possible given the rising cost of living, the expert added that paying more on your energy bills will ultimately prove more cost-effective than having to deal with the costly damage that can be caused by damp and mould.
"Energy bills are always one of a homeowner's biggest outgoings during the winter months," Mark acknowledged. "Whilst the above advice can contribute to higher energy usage, causing damage to your home with damp will cost you a lot more in the long run."
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