It already feels like those blazing summer heatwaves were just five minutes ago, but already Met Office warnings, heavy rain and plunging overnight temperatures have left UK households facing the annual winter battles with mould, mildew and condensation again.
The question of what temperature to set your heating to is an ever-raging debate, too. The higher you crank your heating, the more expensive it is to run—just as Ofgem raised the price cap again—but the lower you have it, the more susceptible your house becomes to mould, mildew, damp, and other problems. This is especially true if you need to wash and dry clothes, cook, and take showers and baths—which is basically everyone.
According to experts at one Home Counties local authority, there is a minimum temperature to set your heating to avoid condensation buildup and you should apply this temperature evenly across your home, not just in some rooms.
Huntingdonshire District Council says, in its guide Controlling Damp and Condensation In Your Home: “When heating your home, try not to have one room at a high temperature and leave the rest of the property cold. This can cause condensation. Keep doors of unheated rooms open to allow some heat into them. Ideally your home should be heated between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius, but older people, babies and people who are less mobile may need it to be warmer.”
It also says that poor air circulation is one of the biggest causes of damp.
It says: “Use trickle vents to help ventilate your bedroom (if your window has them).
“Poor air circulation can lead to damp and mildew developing. Keep a small gap between large pieces of furniture and the walls.
“Don’t overfill wardrobes and cupboards. Use the extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. When possible, dry clothes outside or hang them in the bathroom with the door closed and the window slightly open. Avoid putting clothes on the radiator. Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens. If you don’t have extractor fans, open the window slightly and keep the door to the rest of the house closed. Remember to close them afterwards to keep your home secure.”
The NHS backs this advice. In a blog on staying warm in winter, the NHS says: “Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). If you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer. Remember to keep your window closed on winter nights, as breathing in cold air can be bad for your health because it increases the risk of chest infections.”
But for those with babies, you should set the temperature between 16C and 20C, to minimise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, the NHS adds.