How to prevent condensation
Moisture in the air is completely normal, especially in regions with high humidity. However, excessive moisture is a severe problem especially for wet rooms in your home. Ramping up the humidity by adding steamy showers or a boiling kettle causes excessive condensation which can lead to a variety of nasty issues affecting your home and family. The good thing is that there are some easy measures you can put in place that will prevent condensation from forming.
Why is condensation so bad?
Condensation creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, not to mention the structural damage excess water can cause to walls and roofs. But first, let’s start with why condensation occurs. When water vapor in warm air touches a cool surface, the vapour cools and turns back to water which clings to the surface. Once condensation settles, mould can quickly develop.
In warmer climates, studies have shown that up to 25% of homes show evidence of mould. Mould spores in the air can latch and grow into mould on just about any surface of your home, including tiles, ceilings, carpets, curtains and even clothes.
Your home isn’t the only thing that suffers from mould, it can be very dangerous to your health. Mould spores travel in the air and when inhaled can cause big problems for your airways; including coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation and chest tightness. Prolonged exposure to mould can even result in serious respiratory diseases such as asthma.
The same conditions that cause mould to grow are a breeding ground for insects. This is why you may notice bug infestations in warm, damp areas. Many insects such as cockroaches see wet paper and wood as a meal which only encourages rampant growth.
How you can protect your home
It’s not as simple as wiping water droplets off your mirror. Water vapour in the air needs to be extracted correctly so that it doesn’t settle throughout the home and opening a window isn’t enough to extract moisture. In fact, a warm breeze from outside the home can even make things worse!
The most effective thing that you can do is properly ventilate your wet areas, like your bathroom kitchen and laundry. An exhaust fan in those areas draws damp air from the room, through ducting, to outside the home. Some older exhaust ceiling fans can rattle and vibrate which can ruin the feeling of relaxation. Our exhaust ceiling fans have evolved to be quieter, efficient and more powerful.
Our Response Series are a prime example of how exhaust ceiling fans have evolved. Over two years of design and engineering has resulted in a range of exhaust fans that are unlike no other in its class. The Silent Response is whisper quiet without sacrificing performance and the Rapid Response is the most powerful exhaust fan on the market.
If condensation is a continuing problem in your home, don’t wait to treat the problem before it becomes serious. Get in touch with our ventilation specialists to determine the exhaust fan that’s right for your space.