Heated clothes airers have been increasingly popular each year, but experts are warning they could have unwanted impacts on your house.
Trade Radiators have revealed that using a heated clothes airer in the home is likely to cause an increase in the indoor air’s moisture levels, therefore leading to a much greater risk of excess condensation and mould growth, posing as a major health hazard.
Mould thrives in damp and humid conditions, spreading quickly and releasing potentially harmful mycotoxins into the air.
Prolonged exposure to these toxins can lead to a range of health issues, including allergies, respiratory problems, asthma attacks, and even more severe reactions in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Furthermore, mould can cause structural damage to buildings, degrading the integrity of walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, as well as ruining personal possessions.
James Auckland, heating expert at Trade Radiators said: “Although heated clothes airers are undoubtedly effective in drying clothes indoors, the undesirable consequences like condensation and mould growth should never be ignored.
“It’s incredibly vital for homeowners to adopt effective measures in managing indoor humidity levels, especially in order to successfully prevent moisture-related damage and health hazards”.
In order to prevent the excess moisture in the air from causing damp and mould, Trade Radiators recommend the following when using a heated clothes airer:
- Opening windows and using extractor fans during and after using heated clothes airers. This facilitates air circulation and reduces moisture buildup.
- Installing a good dehumidifier in areas where heated clothes airers are used. This helps to maintain a healthier indoor environment by removing excess moisture from the air. Your humidity levels in the home should be between 40%-60%, and a dehumidifier will help to ensure this is the case.
After using a heated clothes airer, they also recommend:
- Regularly checking for damp spots and mould in the home.
- Regular inspections should include areas prone to moisture buildup, as well as warm areas behind and under furnishings.
- Look for visible signs of mould, which includes discoloured spots, fuzzy patches, or a musty scent.
How to stop condensation on your windows this winter
Many of us will be noticing condensation on our windows as we try and cut down on the amount of time we have our heating on for this year.
Condensation can damage your windows and furniture, and it can also cause mould which could be detrimental to your health to form.
This is everything you need to know about why condensation may be forming on your windows, and how you can prevent it from happening.
Why is their condensation on my windows?
Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct explains how condensation is caused, what the health risks are with having a very humid or ‘damp’ home, and what to do about it.
He said: “Humidity is a measurement of the water content in the air. It’s usually measured in percentages or grams per cubic metre.
“Ideally, our indoor spaces should have a humidity level of about 50%. While most of us won’t be able to measure this, there will be some clear signs if your home’s humidity is too high or low.
“If your home’s humidity is too high, you may notice condensation on your windows or mirrors. Condensation happens when there’s too much moisture in the air, and it collects as droplets on a cool surface.”
How to prevent condensation on your windows
In terms of getting your home’s humidity to the right level, there are a couple of solutions that can really make a difference.
While investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier may be the most obvious step to consider, it’s important to get to the bottom of why your home’s humidity levels are too high or low in the first place – otherwise you’re merely putting a plaster over the real issue.
Keep your rooms heated and ventilated
It’s important to keep your rooms heated to prevent condensation and high humidity, as this will keep the water in the air in vapour form by preventing it from cooling too much. It will also increase the air’s circulation, allowing it to cycle out of the room more easily.
Doing this while keeping your windows or vents open will help excess moisture to escape. Of course, keeping your windows open in winter is easier said than done.
Opening your windows for just five minutes a day could make a difference, if you can’t withstand doing it for longer.
It’s especially important to ventilate your home when you’re cooking, or drying clothes inside. Always make sure you are using your extractor fan, and place damp laundry near an open window.
Look at improving your home’s insulation
If you’re heating and ventilating your home properly already, and still experiencing things like mould, damp or dust mites, there may be other factors at play.
Insulation keeps moisture out of your home, by sealing it from the outside. It eliminates cold surfaces where condensation can form, keeping your home warmer and dryer.
If your home is poorly insulated, then too much moisture may be entering your home, and heating and ventilating may only do so much.
Install a radiant heating system
If these steps don’t remedy your home’s humidity issues, or you want to ensure your property is extra-safe from humidity-related issues, you may want to consider investing in a heating system that uses radiant heat.
As radiant heat travels through the air rather than warming it directly, it has less of an effect on room humidity as it doesn’t rely on the air to transfer warmth. This means the air is more stable, as it isn’t circulating heat around your home. This can help to gradually increase humidity and has the added benefit of not spreading as many dust particles around your home.
There are a couple of options when it comes to radiant heating systems. The first is infrared panels, which provide 100% of their warmth through radiant heat. They’re slim units that can be installed on walls or ceilings. They can either blend in, or stand out, to fit your home’s design.
The second option is electric radiators, which provide around a third of their heat through radiation. This could be a good middle ground option for those who don’t want 100% of their home’s heat to be provided through radiation.