Whether it’s festering in walls, windows or embedded in bathroom silicone, mould has a relentless way of spreading.
The fungus is an everyday problem for many homes that goes beyond being an eyesore.
According to the NHS, the inhaling or touching spores causes allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
As more households limit their heating usage to save money, it gives rise to the perfect conditions for mould – cold and damp.
A simple morning routine could prevent mould from thriving and save people from thousasnds in repair costs, according to one heating expert.
Without proper prevention, Heatable says households could face professional mould removal costs of up to £1,200.
Ben Price, Heatable’s co-founder said: “Many homeowners don’t realise that the average person produces about two litres of water vapour daily through normal activities like breathing, washing, and cooking. This moisture needs to be managed effectively to prevent mould growth.”
How to prevent mould every day
1. Turn on the heating for 20 minutes
The heating expert has shared three important things for Brits to bear in mind this winter. Energy prices are dear, but he urges people to switch on the heating for 20 minutes each morning.
Price said: “First and foremost, running your heating for just 20 minutes each morning costs approximately 50p but can prevent thousands in potential damage.”
According to the pro, a daily 20-minute session costs 50p a day or £3.49 a week. Based on current Ofgem price cap rates of 6.24p per kilowatt-hour and assuming a standard 24kW boiler, he says the cost works out to £1.49 per hour of usage.
“This brief heating period helps balance the temperature throughout your home and eliminates cold spots where condensation typically forms. It’s not about keeping your heating on constantly, but rather about strategic use to maintain a healthy home environment.”
2. Keep temperatures at least 16C
Maintaining a consistent temperature above 15C is “crucial”, Ben says.
“This doesn’t mean overheating your home but rather ensuring that no room drops below this threshold as cold surfaces are magnets for condensation and subsequent mould growth.
“Many of our customers have saved significantly on their heating bills while preventing mould by following this approach.”
3. Ventilation
Fresh air is hugely imporant, working “hand-in-hand” with heating: “While many people worry about heat loss through ventilation, the cost of dealing with a serious mould problem far outweighs any minor heat loss from brief ventilation periods.
“At Heatable, we’ve seen countless cases where simple preventative measures could have avoided costly mould remediation work.”
A simple mould-preventing routine
For households concerned about mould prevention, Price recommends:
- Setting a morning heating timer for a 20-minute burst
- Using thermostatic radiator valves to maintain minimum temperatures in less-used rooms
- Opening windows for 5-10 minutes daily, even in winter
- Being particularly vigilant in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture levels are highest
“The key is taking action before mould becomes established,” Price emphasised.
“While the 50p daily cost might seem like an extra expense, it’s minimal compared to the potential health impacts and property damage that mould can cause. We encourage homeowners to think of it as an investment in their property’s and family’s wellbeing.”
