Keep doors closed when cooking, bathing, washing, and drying clothes to stop steam going into colder rooms.
Cover fish tanks to stop the water evaporating into the air.
Dry clothes outside if you can.
Make sure tumble dryers are vented to the outside.
Never use paraffin or LPG heaters in your home, they’re a fire risk and can create poisonous and deadly carbon monoxide gas.
2. Let air into your home
When cooking or washing, open windows or use extractor fans.
When drying clothes inside, do it in a small room with the door closed, window open or extractor fan on.
Open windows each day for 5 minutes or more and always keep the trickle or night vents open.
Keep air vents free from barriers so air can easily escape. This is very important for gas and heating appliances as they need a supply of oxygen to work effectively and allow gases, such as carbon monoxide, to escape.
Allow air to flow freely around furniture and in cupboards. You can do this by keeping cupboards clutter free, and by not resting furniture against the wall.
3. Keep your home warm
Draught proof your home by blocking gaps that let the cold in. This can stop condensation and reduce your fuel bills.
In cold and wet weather, try to keep heat on low or between 18 ºC to 21ºC. A steady flow of warm heat is more effective than short bursts of high heat.
Insulated loft and walls will keep your home warmer. If your home has no insulation contact us on 0344 980 3333.
4. Do not block, remove, or turn off
Do not block permanent ventilators.
Do not turn off or remove fuses from any extractor fans in your home.
Do not block a chimney opening.
Do not put furniture against cold external walls.
Do not draught proof rooms where there is:
condensation or mould
a gas cooker or a fuel-burning heater, such as a gas fire
windows in the bathroom or kitchen.
5. Report damp and mould
Do not wait for damp and mould to get worse before you report it. If it's affecting the health and wellbeing of anyone living in your home, and if it's damaging your home and belongings, report it now. You can report a repair online or email DampMouldTaskforce@norwich.gov.uk, and if it's urgent, contact the Damp and Mould Taskforce on 01603 989656.
