I’m an interior design professional: the perfect temperature to keep your home warm and prevent condensation
AN INTERIOR expert has revealed the perfect temperature prevent condensation and mold formation in your home.
It is a common problem in the winter months, when snow and freezing temperatures sweep across the country.
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As Storm Bert rages across Scotland this weekend – bringing “terrible” road conditions, meters deep snow and heavy rain – people have already started looking for ways to keep their homes safe.
Condensation on windows occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces.
Windows are often colder than insulated walls, which means there is a greater chance of condensation.
This, in turn, can drip onto surfaces and cause mold that not only looks terrible in the home, but can also be difficult to remove.
It can also be dangerous to our health if left untreated.
In a bid to help Scots this winter, experts have revealed the optimum temperature to keep your home warm and prevent it from forming.
They also urged people to turn off their radiators at night.
Not only can this cause mold growth, but it can also lead to high energy bills and health problems.
Rebecca Swain, mattress expert from Winstons Beds, warns that this can lead to unpleasant coughs, nasal congestion and even swelling of the feet.
But there is also a good chance that this increases the risk of mold developing on the walls due to moisture in the air.
The experts recommend maintaining a bedroom temperature between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius to prevent condensation.
This series is also perfect for sleeping through the night without experiencing health problems.
Rebecca said: “We have arrived at that time of year where many of us have had to turn our radiators on due to the cold temperatures.
“While many of us like to heat our bedrooms so we can sleep comfortably, we would urge people not to leave the heating on all night.
“The optimal temperature for sleeping is 17 to 19 degrees Celsius.
“Any higher value can result in dry skin, coughing, sneezing and even mold formation.”
Why you shouldn’t sleep with the heating on
ALTHOUGH leaving the heat on overnight can cause mold problems, it is also bad for your health.
Rebecca Swain has revealed the health problems that can arise if you do this in winter.
- Dry skin – The warm air removes natural oils from the skin, which can cause dryness and itching if the heating is left on overnight.
- Difficulty breathing – The heater can dry out the air and make the room feel stuffy and uncomfortable to sleep in. It can make it harder to breathe and cause a dry throat and nasty cough.
- Sweaty sleep – It can become quite uncomfortable to sleep with the heating on, especially if it causes excessive sweating in bed. Don’t leave the heating on overnight or you will have to remove stubborn yellow stains from bedding.
- Wasted energy – One of the most shocking consequences of turning on the heating at night is the cost of your energy bill at the end of the month. If you want to stay warm in the bedroom in a budget-friendly way, opt for soft socks and a hot water bottle.
- Mold on the walls – While turning on the heat for a short period of time in the morning can help prevent mold growth, keeping the heat on all night can cause the warmer air to trap and retain excess moisture. When the warm air comes into contact with the cold windows, condensation can form, which can develop into a mold problem.
- Triggers allergies – Stuffy noses and sneezing are common problems that affect you in the morning when you turn on the radiators in the evening. Radiators can accumulate a lot of dust, which can cause allergies.
- Swollen feet – Our feet tend to swell as our bodies try to cool down and regulate temperature. If you find yourself waking up with swollen feet, this may be an indication that you are sleeping in a room where the temperature is too high.
- Insect paradise – Pesky insects like fleas, flies and bed bugs thrive in warm environments, so don’t be surprised if you notice small details on the bedding. Spray some peppermint oil around the room to deter them.
It comes after a housing expert told how residents of newer homes can face increased condensation problems.
A newer three-bedroom home can absorb as much as 7,000 gallons of water during construction, which is released as it dries.
Modern buildings, which are often sealed with insulation, also lack the natural ventilation of older homes, which traps moisture.
Condensation can also be caused by cooking, showering, washing dishes, doing laundry, gas or kerosene heaters and even houseplants.
By tackling mold and condensation problems early, expensive repairs to paintwork, window fittings and curtains can be avoided.
