It has been estimated by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition that 29 per cent of the population, or 15.4 million people, experience mould frequently or occasionally.
But keeping your thermostat on a constant setting and above 14 degrees will go a long way to preventing problems. Mould is an issue that we all dread as it can be difficult to tackle once it gains hold of a room. As it thrives in wet conditions, investing in a dehumidifier is a way to keep humidity levels low in our homes.
Otherwise, keeping your thermostat at a set temperature and resisting the urge to dial it up and down, has been proven to be a good way to keep mould at bay.
Keeping your home constantly warm helps to prevent the condensation and high humidity that lets mould thrive.
Check pipes and radiators for leaks and fix them as soon as you find them
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It will also help to increase the circulation of air in your home and cycle damp out of rooms more easily.
Reducing condensation is linked to maintaining airflow and it’s also good advice to occasionally ‘burp’ your home by opening your windows for short periods to encourage the circulation of air.
It may sound like a contradiction, but keeping the heating on and maintaining a flow of air really is essential for preventing condensation from forming.
There is a debate about what the minimum temperature should be – 14 degrees is the absolute minimum but some say 16 degrees is better.
Keeping the air warm is essential to prevent the build-up of condensation in hard-to-ventilate areas, like in cupboards or behind furniture, for example.
The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 degrees when you are in the house. A smart thermostat and humidity sensors can also help to keep humidity levels below 20 per cent.
It is vital because it can take just 24 hours for mould to start appearing if the humidity is above that level.
Tips to prevent mould
- If you don’t have a humidity sensor, look out for condensation forming on windows and mirrors as this is a warning sign.
- Make sure your home is well insulated as this will keep the temperature steady and cut bills as well.
- Check for draughts around doors and windows, and seal gaps with rolls of insulation tape which is very inexpensive.
- Avoid putting moisture into the air by drying washing on radiators, especially in rooms prone to damp.
- Check pipes and radiators for leaks and fix them as soon as you find them, as this will also increase humidity inside a home.
- When cooking, keep a lid on pans to stop water vapour from circulating throughout the home.
- Check that air bricks and chimney vents are not covered over or blocked, as this will restrict the circulation of air.
- Look for defective guttering or roofing, as the water can soak into insulation and plasterwork.
- Check that the damp-proof course at the base of the external walls has not been breached or damaged anywhere.
