Tips for Tenants: 10 Everyday Tips for a Warm, Dry Home
Did you know that almost half of all NZ homes are damp and mouldy? Inadequate heating and ventilation of the home is the most common cause of condensation, mould, mildew, and general dampness. All of which can permanently damage the property - and in serious cases, result in health issues for those living in the property.
Thankfully, regular heating and ventilation can aid in preventing condensation, mildew and general dampness in your home. In addition, here are some everyday tips to help you keep your rental warm and dry.
1. Use extractor fans
When showering or cooking, use extractor fans (if you have them) and keep windows open as wide as possible. The Healthy Homes ventilation standard requires all kitchens and bathrooms to have either an extractor fan or continuous mechanical ventilation that meets certain criteria. It is the responsibility of the tenant to ensure these are used.
2. Cook with lids
Use lids on pots when cooking and don’t boil anything harder or longer than needed. This will prevent excess steam from entering the home.
3. Avoid drying clothes indoors
We understand that sometimes, the weather doesn’t allow for drying clothes outdoors, and running a dryer can be expensive! While we encourage you to avoid drying clothes inside as much as possible, if you have no other choice, make sure windows are kept open and use a dehumidifier if you have one.
4. Use a dehumidifier
If you have a dehumidifier, make use of it. Why? By design, dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and surfaces of rooms (e.g. walls and carpets). Remember to check and clean the filter regularly to improve performance.
Top tip: If you don’t know how to clean the filter on your dehumidifier, Google is your friend! Try to search for the make and model of your dehumidifier and you should find a free digital manual for it or a very similar model.
5. Close doors after showering or cooking
To maximise the efficiency of your heating, prevent heat loss, and reduce dampness, remember to keep bathroom and kitchen doors closed when in use. This simple step will prevent steam from spreading throughout the house whilst retaining warmth in the areas you're spending time in. Additionally, closing doors to common areas helps to prevent heat from escaping through extractor fans, ensuring that any warmth generated by heat pumps or heating systems stays where you need it most.
6. Wipe down windows
Wipe down windows affected by condensation first thing in the morning using a squeegee or a clean old towel (even better, use a Kärcher window vacuum if you have one). Leaving condensation to set in can lead to the warping of window seals, not to mention general dampness that contributes to mould and mildew growth.
7. Clean signs of mildew immediately
If you do see signs of mildew, clean it immediately to avoid it becoming an issue in the future. Cleaning mildew is quick and easy. Simply wipe down with a cloth and a vinegar solution.
Method: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water and pour into a spray bottle. Apply the solution onto the mouldy area and leave it to sit for one hour. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to “rinse” the acidic solution. Allow the area to dry completely.
8. Open your curtains
It may seem like a small thing, but opening your curtains allows the sun to heat your home for free. Remember to close them again, half an hour before sunset, to help prevent that heat from escaping.
9. Open your windows
Provided it isn’t too cold and wet outside, open your windows for a short period of time every day (aim for at least 20 minutes). This allows for natural ventilation via the circulation of fresh air which aids in reducing humidity and preventing condensation from collecting on windows. It is best to ventilate little and often - lots of windows open slightly are better than one open fully. If the windows start steaming up, then open them wider.
10. Make use of your heat pump
If you have a heat pump, lightly heating your house on a regular basis will raise the temperature and allow the air to hold more moisture, reducing condensation. It only needs to be a couple of degrees warmer than the outside temperature to make a difference!
Top tip: To save money on your power bill set a timer so that your heat pump only runs during off-peak hours when rates are usually cheaper (check with your electricity provider for your specific off-peak times and rates).
Why is it important to keep your home warm and dry?
In a nutshell, a cold, damp home can lead to mould, mildew, condensation and general dampness which contributes to health issues and can cause damage to the property if left unattended.
By actioning the above tips, you can help keep yourself and your family healthy and prevent moisture-related damage from occurring in the property you are renting.
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DISCLAIMER: The above advice is written by Propertyscouts New Zealand (2020) Limited and is intended as a broad guide for educational purposes only. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial or real estate advice. In all instances, you should make your own inquiries and seek independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial or real estate decisions.
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