Most common cause of window condensation - and easy way to prevent it

One of the most frustrating aspects of cold weather, aside from summer being a distant memory, is the condensation that accumulates on our windows .

This occurs when the chilly outdoor air meets the warmth of our cozy homes, leading to a build-up of water droplets on the inside of our windows - particularly in the bedroom.

Not only can this cause window sills to swell with dampness, but it can also lead to mold growth, which can result in a range of health issues, including asthma. While there are various methods to eliminate mold, such as using tea tree oil, it's best to address the root cause to prevent its recurrence.

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According to Which?, poor ventilation in homes is one of the main reasons for condensation and subsequent mould. Condensation is caused "when humid air meets cold surfaces like walls and windows," making it more prevalent during colder months.

As temperatures drop, the "amount of moisture that the air can hold falls and the tiny drops of water form on the surface". This issue is exacerbated in properties with poor ventilation, as the moist air generated by activities like cooking, showering, and laundry drying has no escape route, reports the Mirror .

This typically occurs in the morning, in bedrooms, as the moisture from our breath causes condensation to form on windows - and it has nowhere to go.

Due to modern advancements like double glazing, buildings can often trap high levels of excess moisture - making effective ventilation crucial to prevent condensation and mould. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this issue to prevent mould growth in your property.

According to consumer advice website Which?, the answer could be as straightforward as opening your windows. The site advises: "This can be as simple as remembering to open windows when you're at home or, if you have windows that lock when partly open, leaving them like this more often will help."

For those seeking a more permanent solution, options such as adding window vents to the top of window frames or roof ventilation tiles are available.

But won't frequent window opening lead to drafts and soaring energy bills? Not if you employ a German technique known as 'Stosslüften', which involves briefly opening several windows to create a draft - potentially eliminating condensation in minutes.

This method, translating to 'shock ventilation' in English, suggests that instead of leaving your windows open all day and losing warm air, you simply open them for a short period, as brief as three minutes, to expel excess moisture.