It’s good to vent. When was the last time you had a big air out?

As temperatures drop, it’s natural to want to keep the windows shut and the heat in. But cooking, showering and drying clothes all add moisture to the air. If it can’t escape, it may contribute to condensation and mould.

The Property Care Association’s Big Air Out: It’s good to vent campaign runs from 26 October to 1 November. Its daily videos share practical advice on ventilation, including using extractor fans, keeping air moving and managing moisture while keeping your home warm.

Is damp a big issue?

The latest English Housing Survey found that 7.7 million households (31%) reported that they had an issue with condensation, damp, or mould in their home.

Surveyors recorded a serious damp problem in 6% of homes in England in 2024 to 2025, around 1.4 million homes. The survey counts damp that is serious enough to be considered in a housing health and safety assessment.

Simple ways to reduce moisture

Small changes to your daily routine can help manage moisture and improve airflow:

• Use extractor fans when cooking or showering, and leave them running for a while afterwards if they have a timer.
• Dry clothes outside when possible. If you need to dry them indoors, try to use a well-ventilated room.
• Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed while cooking or bathing, so moisture doesn’t spread through the home.
• Use pan lids when cooking and open window vents, where you have them.
• Leave a little space between furniture and external walls to help air circulate.

Good ventilation doesn’t mean leaving windows open all day or losing valuable heat. The aim is to let fresh air in and excess moisture out.

Follow the PCA’s Big Air Out videos on Instagram.

Is it condensation or another type of damp?

Condensation is common. It can show up as water droplets on windows or walls, or mould around windows and behind furniture, particularly on external walls. Improving ventilation and managing moisture can help.

But damp has other possible causes. Rising damp may leave a tide mark or salt deposits low down on a wall. Penetrating damp can be linked to defects such as a leaking gutter, damaged roof covering or cracked pointing. Different causes need different solutions, so it’s best to identify the source before arranging remedial work.

A musty smell, discoloured patches, peeling wallpaper and recurring mould can all be signs of a damp problem. If it keeps coming back despite improving ventilation, or you’re unsure what’s causing it, consider getting professional advice.

Find help with damp

Our Property Care Specialist service can help you find a PCA-approved damp control specialist to investigate the cause and advise on the right next steps.

Find a Property Care Specialist

Get expert advice and treatment of damp, invasive species, spray foam insulation and more

Find a Property Care Specialist

For more information on spotting damp, understanding its causes and what you can do, read Damp in the house and how to fix it.

Related Articles

Sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter

for the latest news, advice and money saving offers

Latest News