Many homeowners become accustomed to seeing condensation accumulate on pipes, windows, or other hard surfaces, but is it just something harmless, or can condensation cause damage in the home? In this blog, we are going to consider whether condensation is damaging or not and look at a few simple ways to prevent it.
Is condensation damaging? If condensation is left to constantly drip on a surface or floor it can start to cause some problems. For example, flooring can begin to rot or develop a mold issue. If water is dripping on electrical appliances, this can present a fire hazard.
How can you stop condensation? One way to do this is to reduce the level of indoor humidity. Keeping the home well ventilated is important. You can try opening windows and doors to get good airflow. For this to be effective, however, the outside air needs to be less humid than indoors, which may be more of a problem in some areas. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers work well to lower humidity. A dehumidifier works by drawing water vapor into its tank preventing it from gathering on other surfaces of the home.
Another way to reduce condensation buildup is to insulate pipes. Just keep in mind that insulation will stop heat from escaping so if you rely on the heat from pipes to warm your home this may not be the best option for you.
How many houseplants do you have? Indoor plants have many benefits, and some are known to improve air quality, but they are also known to raise humidity levels. If your home is particularly humid, leading to condensation issues, it may be a good idea to reassess the number of plants you have in your home.
Is it condensation? If you have tried various methods to reduce condensation but still have a problem, it might not be condensation after all. You may have a water leak somewhere which will need diagnosing before it causes a lot of damage.
