Why switching off central heating could cause condensation

Articles > Boiler and Plumbing News > Plumbing & Heating Installations

Britons who have recently had loft insulation installed in an effort to lower the cost of their gas bill through turning down their central heating may have been surprised to note a build-up of condensation.

Such was the experience of one Telegraph reader, who contacted the newspaper to claim that they had noticed condensation on the windows of their home for the first time in the 18 years they had resided there after loft insulation was fitted.

DIY expert Jeff Howells explained that this may have been caused by the fact that once a property has had its insulation topped up, this can cause the temperature to increase by a few degrees, allowing the air to retain more water vapour.

"When you turn the heating off at night, this warm, moist air will cool, become less able to hold moisture and the excess will condense out on cool surfaces, especially windows and exterior walls," he added.

Mr Howells advised people to fit additional ventilation and it could be said that turning down the thermostat by one degree Celsius may also help.

Indeed, the Energy Saving Trust states that such action could see £65 being knocked off annual energy bills.
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