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As the weather gets colder and people start switching their heating on, many UK households are waking up to dripping wet windows and damp windowsills. Condensation is a common occurrence in autumn and winter. But although fog on the glass might look harmless, it's the first warning sign that your home is holding too much moisture, and it could be quietly breeding mould. According to window expert Nancy Whittington-Coates, condensation peaks during this time of the year because “the cold outdoor air clashes with the warm, humid air inside”. Bedrooms are particularly prone to it, as Nancy explains that we exhale moisture while we sleep, so it gathers overnight on cold glass panes. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE When left unsolved, the droplets can seep into frames, ruin paintwork, and invite mould spores that aggravate allergies and asthma. “It’s something I see every single winter,” Nancy says. “People wake up to dripping windows and think it’s normal, but over time, that moisture damages your walls, plaster and even your health.” Nancy’s golden rule is balance - keeping heat in and letting air out. She advises drawing curtains in the evenings and overnight, but whilst opening trickle vents or a cracked window during the day. “Thick, heavy fabrics act as insulation, reducing heat loss through glass,” she says. “But if the room is completely sealed, the warm, moist air has nowhere to escape, so you end up with condensation trapped behind those curtains. "That’s why I always tell people to open their trickle vents or slightly pull the curtains back for ten minutes each morning to let fresh air circulate." Nancy adds: "It might sound counter-intuitive to open a window in winter, but it’s the best way to flush out humid air. Ten minutes of fresh air won’t freeze your house, but it will stop your windows turning into waterfalls.” She also recommends investing in thermal-lined curtains, which “not only keep your heating bills down but help regulate humidity.” For south-facing rooms, she suggests “drawing them back during sunny spells to let natural warmth flood in, then closing them again as the temperature drops.” Nancy adds that extractor fans should run for at least 15–30 minutes after cooking or showering. “Bathrooms and kitchens are moisture hotspots, so let those fans do their job properly before switching them off,” she says. Beyond curtains and vents, some everyday habits quietly worsen the issue. “Drying clothes on radiators is one of the biggest culprits,” Nancy cautions. “You might think it’s saving energy, but you’re releasing litres of moisture into the air.” Instead, she advises waiting for cold but dry days to hang washing outside, or using a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing bags indoors. “You can get small hanging dehumidifier bags online for just over £1,” she notes. “Pop one near a window or wardrobe and you’ll notice the difference.” She also highlights the kitchen as another danger zone. “When cooking, always use your extractor hood and cover pans with lids. Those little actions can reduce the humidity that spreads through your home.” Aside from comfort and cost, Nancy says the biggest reason to tackle condensation is health. “Mould thrives in damp environments, and once it takes hold, it spreads quickly,” she warns. “You might not even see it at first, as it hides behind furniture or under window sills, but you’ll start feeling it in your breathing.” According to the NHS , prolonged mould exposure can trigger respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even worsen asthma symptoms. “That’s why I always say prevention is much easier than cure. Once mould sets in, it’s a nightmare to remove.” Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here
