Dealing with damp
Victorian winters are mostly cold and wet, resulting in problems with condensation and mould growth in your home. Condensation and mould can occur on any surface, look unpleasant, and can increase the risk of respiratory illness. Mould is usually black but can be other colours including green, yellow, pink, grey, or white.
Why is condensation a problem? Left untreated, condensation can result in mould growth on walls, ceilings, furniture, furnishings, and clothing in cupboards and drawers. High humidity has a cumulative effect in absorbent materials, such as clothing hanging in wardrobes or bedclothes making them damp. If these items are not dried, mould will develop. It can also affect plaster and cause woodwork to rot. The amount of condensation in homes depends on: 1. How much water vapour is produced in the household. 2. How cold or warm the property is; and 3. How much air circulation (ventilation) there is. The moist air rises when it is warm and often ends up on ceilings, walls and behind free-standing furniture such as wardrobes, and if the surfaces are not dried and aired regularly, mould growth will occur. What is condensation? Condensation starts as moisture in the air, usually produced by cooking, washing, or drying clothes indoors. When moist air meets cool surfaces such as mirrors, walls, wall tiles, and windows, it condenses and forms water droplets.
How do I prevent mould and condensation? A dry and well-aired home is easier to heat and healthier for you and your family. You can minimise the amount of moisture and condensation in your home by doing the following things: • Open doors and windows as often as possible when you are at home • Open windows and use the ducted exhaust fan when showering or using clothes drier • Open windows and use an extractor fan when cooking • Regular cleaning of exhaust fans • Regular cleaning of heat pump/ slit system air conditioning filters • Maintain a consistent lower background heat rather than short bursts of high heat when it’s cold or wet outside • Make sure clothes and shoes are well dried and aired before putting them away • Hang washing outside to dry • Move items of furniture away from the wall to allow air to circulate
10
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online