Autumn in Cornwall means cooler weather and damp conditions in many UK homes. Wake Electrical shares how to prevent mould as well as the benefits of installing ventilation systems.
As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, many people across Cornwall start to notice an all-too-familiar problem: condensation. Whether it’s steamed-up windows in the morning or patches of mould creeping along the walls, autumn is when these issues begin to surface, and if left untreated, they will only get worse in winter.
Now is the time to act. Tackling condensation early will protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
Why Condensation Gets Worse in Autumn
As autumn rolls in, we turn on the heating whilst external temperatures drop. This creates the perfect storm: warm indoor air meeting cold surfaces, especially windows, walls, and poorly insulated corners.
To further complicate the problem, we naturally close windows more often to stay warm, which reduces airflow. The result? Moisture from cooking, bathing, and even breathing builds up indoors.
This is a particular problem in Cornwall, where many properties are older, with limited insulation and natural ventilation. But it’s also becoming common in newer homes. Strict regulations mean new builds are highly insulated and airtight, great for efficiency, but without proper ventilation, condensation can build quickly.
The Dangers of Condensation and Mould
Ignoring condensation can lead to far more than steamy windows:
- Health risks: Mould spores aggravate asthma, trigger allergies, and affect vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. NHS and Public Health England both warn that damp and mould in homes can increase risks of respiratory illness and worsen existing conditions.
- Property damage: Persistent damp can cause peeling paint, black mould, and even rotting structural timbers.
- Insurance or resale issues: Ongoing damp or visible mould can affect property value and raise red flags with insurers and surveyors.
That’s why mould prevention in Cornwall isn’t just cosmetic, it’s essential maintenance for both your home and health.
How to Prevent Mould in Your Home
There are several practical ways to reduce condensation and protect your property this autumn and winter:
- Maintain a steady indoor temperature:
- Keep rooms heated to at least 18°C in winter (NHS & GOV UK recommendation).
- Avoid letting spare rooms or bathrooms drop colder than this, as it encourages mould growth.
- Increase ventilation:
- Open windows for short bursts to let moisture escape.
- Keep trickle vents open and clean.
- Run extractor fans long enough after cooking or showering to clear humid air.
- Reduce indoor moisture:
- Dry clothes outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces, not on radiators.
- Cover pans while cooking and use a ducted extractor fan in the kitchen.
- Wipe condensation from windows in the morning to prevent mould growth.
- Improve airflow indoors:
- Don’t block vents or air bricks.
- Leave space behind furniture so air can circulate.
- Keep internal doors open where possible.
- Use ventilation systems:
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems provide continuous ventilation while recovering heat from outgoing air. Read about the benefits of ventilation systems here.
- Dehumidifiers can help as a short-term fix, but they don’t address the root cause.
- Check regularly:
- Look in hidden areas like behind wardrobes or cupboards for early signs of mould.
- Deal with problems quickly before they spread.
The Role of Modern Ventilation Systems
Modern ventilation systems in Cornwall have come a long way. One of the most effective options is MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), which:
- Continuously extracts stale, damp air while bringing in filtered fresh air.
- Recovers heat from outgoing air, reducing energy waste.
- Operates quietly and efficiently, suitable for both traditional Cornish cottages and modern new builds.
- Helps mitigate radon in certain areas by maintaining constant airflow.
At Wake Electrical, we design and install ventilation systems tailored to each property’s layout, insulation levels, and unique challenges.
Wake Electrical’s Local Expertise
Wake Electrical specialises in installing ventilation systems in Cornwall. We recently helped a homeowner in Newquay who had battled black mould in their bedroom for over a year. The property, a 1960s bungalow near the coast, suffered from poor airflow and high humidity. After an inspection, we installed a compact MVHR unit in the loft space. Within days, the condensation cleared. Within weeks, the mould dried out and stopped returning, even as winter set in.
This is a common issue across Cornwall, particularly in coastal areas like Newquay and St Ives. Our team brings both technical expertise and local knowledge, offering:
- System design and consultation.
- Professional installation.
- Ongoing maintenance and support.
- Two-year installation warranty.
- Full commissioning and testing.
Take Action Before Winter
If you’re noticing condensation or mould this autumn, don’t wait for it to get worse.
Wake Electrical can help you choose the right ventilation systems in Cornwall, from simple extractor upgrades to full MVHR installations. Our solutions are energy-efficient, quiet, and designed to keep your home dry, warm, and healthy all year round.