As Britain braces for the cold snap, savvy homeowners can tackle their household mould issues ahead of winter with some clever, cost-free tactics.
Gone are the balmy days of summer, and with the nippy wintry weather creeping in, Britons may be tempted to seal off any source of draughts.
Yet, foregoing a little fresh air now could spell damp and mould issues later, as homes begin to get stuffy from constant heating.
To combat this, VELUX’s Daylight, Energy & Indoor Climate Director Peter Foldbjerg divulges four practical tips that won’t strain budgets already stretched by the cost-of-living crunch.
Straight out of the gate, Foldbjerg revealed the best times to crack open those windows which can reduce your home’s humidity levels, thus keeping mould at bay without turning your living space into an icebox.
Welcoming a breeze into your house plays a crucial role in ousting stale, moisture-laden air that’s a breeding ground for mould.
Foldbjerg encouraged homeowners: “Opening the windows immediately after you wake up and before you go to bed can make a big difference to the air quality within your home.”
Such ventilation is not only instrumental in warding off mildew; it also equalises bedroom temperatures, fostering better conditions for a restful slumber. The expert suggests a brief 10-15 minute window-aeration three to five times daily should suffice.
He also suggested lowering the temperature at night and letting in sunlight during the day to prevent mould growth while enhancing your home’s ambiance.
The expert urged individuals to establish personal routines to mitigate mould risk by scrutinising their daily habits.
Peter clarified: “Understanding the everyday home life activities that cause indoor pollution, such as cooking, cleaning, showering, lighting candles, air drying clothes indoors, and even sleeping and breathing, is key to tackling the issue. These can, over time, lead to mould and damp homes, impacting our overall wellness.”
Moreover, homeowners should aim for energy efficiency, with measures like double glazing and cavity wall insulation, explained Peter. Such steps not only reduce energy costs but also guard against the effects of cold weather and consequently prevent mould.