Energy bills: Expert advises to 'close curtains' when heating is on
Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, said: “Mould thrives in cold, damp and humid environments which is why you typically find it in the bathroom, around shower or bath edges, the sink, toilet and on the walls, as well as windows and window sills.
“But it’s also very common in other areas of the home like bedrooms, utility rooms, kitchen and areas around heating and cooling appliances, such as radiators and air conditioning units.
“It’s important to check for mould spores around these common areas but also on things you wouldn’t always think to check like mattresses, curtains, indoor plants and under the kitchen sink.
“If left untreated, mould can cause serious health problems, including breathing issues, flu-like symptoms and allergies.”
There are lots of reasons for mould to form but it’s most likely down to poor ventilation and lack of insulation within the home, which promotes a colder and more damp environment.
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Fixing this issue can help to keep mould at bay, as well as improve the overall condition of the home, keeping it warm in winter.
The expert added: “One of the most effective and affordable ways to combat mould is by investing in window insulation film for the windows in the coldest rooms of your home, or the rooms where you tend to see mould forming the quickest.
“Window insulation film is a thin plastic film that is applied directly to any window to effectively reduce heat loss providing better insulation.
“The film can either be directly applied to a window using a hairdryer to shrink the film around the glass or can be attached to the window ledge to create a still air layer around half an inch thick using pressure-sensitive tape.
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“It’s like adding an extra layer of glazing to the window by restricting the convective air flow onto the inside glass surface, but at a snip of the price.”
Window insulation film can also help limit or prevent condensation, further reducing the risk of mould and mildew in the home.
According to the expert, the film costs as little as £3 from Amazon and can easily be fitted at home.
Nancy continued: “Doing this simple fix will not only help to keep your house warm, it will stop heat escaping through tiny draughts and that means less wasted energy and money on bills.
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“Be sure to check the size of the film is correct for your window.”
Other ways to help improve insulation in the home include replacing silicone sealant on the window edges which often deteriorate over time.
The expert explained: “Resealing window edges with silicone sealant is not only simple but can do wonders in your home to insulate heat.
“A tube of sealant will cost less than a fiver from either Amazon or your local DIY supplier and is really easy to apply. Once dry it will provide months and months of protection.”
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