The best condensation hacks without needing a dehumidifier

These comments appeared in the Daily Express and Daily Mirror.

George Penny, Energy Expert at The Solar Co comments:

“Condensation is one of the most common problems in UK homes during autumn and winter, and it’s often made worse by the very things we do to stay warm, like keeping windows shut, drying clothes indoors, and spending more time at home. 

“Left unchecked, it leads to damp, mould, and damage that can be costly to fix. But the most effective solution isn’t a dehumidifier, it’s something most households already have and simply aren’t using properly.”

Use your extractor fan every time you cook or shower – and leave it running for 10-15 minutes afterwards

“This is one of the most effective preventative measure against condensation, and it costs almost nothing to adopt. Extractor fans remove moisture-laden air at source before it has a chance to spread through the home and settle on cold surfaces like windows and walls. 

“The mistake most people make is switching the fan off as soon as they’ve finished in the bathroom or kitchen, but the moisture lingers in the air long after the visible steam has cleared. Leaving the fan running for an extra 10-15 minutes pulls that residual moisture outside, where it belongs.”

Why it works better than anything else

“Condensation forms when warm, moist air meets a cold surface. Rather than trying to remove the moisture after it has already settled (which is what dehumidifiers, window vacuums and towels do) this approach stops it from building up in the first place. It addresses the root cause rather than the symptom, and it costs pennies a day to run. 

“An extractor fan uses around 5-10 watts, so leaving it on for an extra 15 minutes costs less than a penny. Compare that to the cost of running a dehumidifier, which typically uses 300-500 watts, or the cost of repairing damp and mould damage, which can run into the thousands.”

How to use it properly

“Make sure your extractor fan is actually working by holding a piece of tissue or toilet paper up to it – if it doesn’t stay in place, the fan isn’t pulling enough air. Clean the filter or grille regularly, as dust and grease build-up reduces its effectiveness. 

“If you don’t have an extractor fan, open a window slightly while cooking or showering instead  even a small gap makes a difference. And keep the bathroom or kitchen door closed while the fan is running, so the moist air is drawn outside rather than into the rest of the house. 

“The same principle applies to drying clothes indoors. If you must dry them inside, do it in a room with an extractor fan or an open window, never in a bedroom or living room with the door shut.”