With the chill of winter firmly at our door, concerns often turn to the rising cost of energy bills and issues of mould and damp. Heated air holds moisture from everyday activities, including cooking and showering, which condenses onto the coolest surfaces such as windows or cold walls, so you may find yourself with steamed up windows in the early mornings and evenings.

A warmer home doesn’t have to mean bigger bills, damp problems and emissions. There are some small changes you can make that can help all three.

Why condensation can mean inefficiency
Condensation is more than a cosmetic winter problem. It’s often a sign that your home is losing heat. Moist air and damp surfaces absorb warmth and release it more quickly than dry walls, meaning rooms cool down faster and need reheating more often. As condensation tends to form on the coldest parts of a building, such as poorly insulated walls or windows, it can highlight exactly where heat is escaping and energy is being wasted.

Heat smarter, not harder
Sustainable warmth is about consistency rather than the temperature swinging from hot to cold throughout the day. Allowing a home to cool completely before reheating it tends to use more energy than maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature. Focusing heat where it is actually needed can also make a difference.

Keep your living spaces warm, but turn the radiators down in any unused rooms. Simple measures such as closing curtains, using blinds and fitting draft excluders act as low-carbon insulation, while letting winter sunlight in during the day and drawing curtains at dusk helps retain free, natural heat.

Embrace ventilation
While opening your windows may seem counterintuitive, ventilation plays a vital role in keeping homes warm and efficiently run. Fresh air doesn’t have to mean losing heat if it is done deliberately. Short, sharp bursts of ventilation for up to 10 minutes allow moist air to escape without cooling walls and surfaces.

If possible, use an extractor fan when cooking or showering. You could also open a window and close the door to that room if you need to dry clothes inside to help reduce condensation. By controlling moisture levels, your home will stay warmer and dryer, making it more energy efficient.

Small habits add up
Small but simple changes can make a big difference to your home’s warmth, dryness and energy use. Keep lids on pans, close bathroom doors during and after showers, and avoid inefficient fan heaters. Try a heated throw or hot water bottle to keep yourself cosy, or, if you need to boost the heat in a single room, use a portable oil-filled radiator or an energy-efficient convection heater.

Add a thick rug to the floor to keep the room, and your feet, warmer – and invest in a good pair of slippers! Minor DIY improvements like draught seals or insulation film can further boost efficiency.

Over time, without any drastic changes, these steps can add up to create a healthier, cosier and more efficiently run home. By improving comfort, protecting your health and reducing energy use, each individual household can also contribute to a greener future and meaningful, positive change for the environment.