Condensation can be a major nuisance. Not only is it annoying, but it can also lead to the growth of dangerous black mold, which can cause serious health issues if left unchecked. While opening windows may help with ventilation and heat exchange in the warmer months, this is often an impossibility during wintertime due to the cold temperatures.
A study conducted by Rentokil revealed that 5.8 million renters have experienced damp or condensation-related issues in their living spaces, but unfortunately, over half of those surveyed did not receive any help from their landlords despite reaching out for assistance. The research further found that 44% of respondents lived in properties that lacked an extractor fan in the bathroom while 31% had no window in their bathroom at all.
The dangers posed by mold should not be underestimated. Exposure to its spores can result in a variety of adverse reactions ranging from a runny nose and sneezing to red eyes and skin itching. In order to prevent mold growth before it starts, homeowners are encouraged to open windows for ventilation purposes. However, this leads to cold rooms due to the influx of outside air, thus making it an undesirable option for many people due to rising gas and electric costs.
Fortunately, Reddit user posted a hack on how to efficiently get rid of condensation without having to sacrifice much energy. Dubbed ‘Stosslüften’, this technique involves opening several windows throughout the house for three minutes at a time instead of leaving one window open all day long. The quick switch allows cold air from outside – which carries significantly less humidity than warm air – into the house before heating up and taking on some of the extra moisture inside. This simple trick is even endorsed by schools as an effective way of combating condensation while still saving money on utilities like electricity and gas bills.
