“So you want me to turn on my heating and open the windows?”

Yes but it’s a little more than that. Firstly, you could find that opening your windows too far and/or too late in the day when the air is damp and cool is making the problem worse. You just need to open the windows to a venting point. Some windows have a little groove in the frame which the handle can sit into but it’s just pushing the window open with the tip of your finger until the crease in your finger reaches the frame – that’s about 2 inches/5 cm.

When it comes to heating a home, we often assume that only turning the heating on when it gets very cold is cheaper and better for those living there. However, if your heating is set at a temperature as near to 18o for as long as possible and affordable, it’s cheaper than turning it up to 23/24o several times a day. Below 18o, the walls and fabric of the home are at an inconsistent and low temperature so when warmer air comes into contact with it, condensation forms.

Historically, condensation has been at its worst during the winter. With changes in the climate and weather patterns the air is now cooler sooner and for longer in the year. Without effective action the contract between a cold home and damp air often results in black mould growing on walls and other surfaces.

The effects of mould can be harmful so preventing and treating damp and mould is a priority for Winchester City Council. If you have any concerns about damp, condensation or mould in your home, we are here to help. You can email or call or you can contact us by:

• My Winchester Tenancy - our Self Service Portal for Tenants
• E-mail to housing@winchester.gov.uk 
• Call Customer Services on 01962 848 400

• Wiping down wet windowsills and frames every day when you wake up
• Ventilate your home by opening windows or trickle vents – ideally first thing in the morning and when you are washing or cooking.
• When showering, bathing and cooking, close the door to the room so that the moist air can’t travel to other rooms including the bedrooms where it could condense and cause mould
• Use the extractor fan when you’re cooking, showering or bathing, leave any window vents open, and don’t block off any other vents.
• Keep lids on your pans when cooking
• Dry clothing outside, or vent any laundry appliances such as tumble-dryers or heated airers
• If you need to dry laundry indoors, do this in a closed room where you can open a window – the bathroom is best
• Make sure air can circulate by leaving gaps between the wall and ALL furniture and belongings and keep a warm home (ideally between 16 °C (?) to 21°C).
• Don’t overfill your wardrobes so air can circulate inside.

If you do have mould growing, you must clean it off straight away to minimise any health risk. It is reasonably safe to clean this with a fungicidal mould spray, which will be available in most supermarkets and local hardware shops.

Bleaches and vinegar sprays will clean mould off the surface but may not kill the spores which means the mould is more likely to return.

Moisture in the air will form condensation (droplets of liquid water) when it comes into contact with a cold surface such as a window. We all get condensation on our windows from time to time, but this isn’t necessarily a problem if it clears up quickly

When does condensation occur Condensation can appear in houses on colder wall and window surfaces and in places where there is little movement of air, such as behind beds, kitchen cupboards and the corners of rooms. It usually occurs when a lot of moisture that can’t escape has produced.

For example:-

• When cooking
• Having a bath or shower  
• Drying clothes inside
• After a cold night when the bedroom windows mist up

The general rule for indoor temperatures is to keep your home between 21°C in the daytime and 16°C, at night-time. To avoid condensation problems, the temperature should not drop below 14°C.

Households with an income below £30,000 you may be eligible to apply for grant funding or if you’re finding it tough financially.  Talk to our Tenancy Sustainment team. on 01962 848 060 ext 6102 or email