Damp and cold homes can be really hard to deal with especially during the winter months. It is not unusual for properties in Mendip to show signs of damp, condensation and mould which are made even worse as the weather gets colder.

Mendip District Council is encouraging local residents to contact the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) for free advice on how to deal with damp and mould, which cause indoor air pollutants that can trigger or exacerbate asthma, other respiratory issues and cardiovascular conditions.

Condensation is common and may lead to black mould on walls, ceilings and behind cupboards. Many activities we do in the home produce moisture, such as cooking and showering. Damp may also be caused by structural defects resulting in rising or penetrating damp, or a lack of efficient heating, insulation or ventilation.

Cllr Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services and Governance at Mendip District Council, said: "Having warm, decent and affordable housing is a major element of a person's health and their wellbeing. At Mendip, one of our key priorities is to work with partners to address community health issues and also encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient.

"We support the Centre for Sustainable Energy who provide people in Mendip with expert, free home energy advice. Please give them a ring as soon as you can or pick up their useful leaflet 'Condensation, damp and mould', which is packed with information and has full contact details."

Full information on 'Preventing Damp, Mould and Condensation' can be found on Mendip's webpages https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/8066/Preventing-Damp-Mould-and-Condensation . Our Private Sector Housing Team are also here to help. Give them a call on 0300 303 8588 or email [email protected]

The CSE home energy advice line for information on condensation and mould is 0800 082 2234, email them on [email protected] or visit: www.cse.org.uk/advice

TOP TIPS TO PREVENT CONDENSATION

-Produce less moisture in your home. Don't dry clothes on the radiators and keep those lids on the boiling pans.

-Let the damp air out and the fresh air in. When you are cooking or bathing keep the door shut and open the window a little.

Insulate and draft proof your home, keep those windows and doors draft proofed as best you can.

-Heat your home a little more. The World Health Organisation recommends you keep the minimum air temperature of 20°C for people who are living with a disability or long term condition, or are considered vulnerable, such as the very old or very young.

-Use an air extractor if you have one, or keep refreshing the air by opening the windows a bit.