As the UK braces for the cold, savvy homeowners can tackle their household mold problems before winter with smart and free tactics.
Gone are the balmy days of summer, and as the winter weather creeps in, Brits may be tempted to shut down all sources of draft.
Still, if you exclude a little fresh air now, it can cause moisture and mold problems later when homes start to get stuffy from the constant heating.
To combat this, Peter Foldbjerg, VELUX’s Director of Daylight, Energy and Indoor Climate, reveals four practical tips that will not strain budgets already stretched by the cost of living crisis.
Straight out of the gate, Foldbjerg revealed the best times to open those windows that can lower your home’s humidity level and keep mold at bay without turning your living space into an ice cream parlor.
Welcoming wind into your home plays a critical role in removing stale, moisture-laden air, which is a breeding ground for mold.
Foldbjerg encouraged homeowners: “Opening your windows right after you wake up and before you go to bed can make a big difference to the air quality in your home.”
Such ventilation is not only a tool in the fight against mold; it also balances the temperature in the bedroom and creates better conditions for restful sleep. The expert suggests that a short window ventilation of 10-15 minutes three to five times a day is enough.
He also suggested lowering the temperature at night and letting sunlight in during the day to prevent mold growth while improving the ambiance of your home.
The expert urged people to create personal routines to reduce the risk of mold by looking at their daily habits.
Peter clarified: “The key to solving the problem is understanding the everyday household activities that cause indoor pollution, such as cooking, cleaning, showering, lighting candles, drying clothes indoors and even sleeping and breathing. Over time, these can lead to mold and damp homes, affecting our overall well-being. .”
In addition, homeowners should strive for energy efficiency with measures such as double glazing and cavity wall insulation, Peter explained. Such measures not only reduce energy costs, but also protect against the effects of cold weather and thus prevent the formation of mold.
