Damp, mould, and condensation are plaguing more than a fifth of UK households – with one in three Brits struggling to know how to reduce or remove the problem, a study has found.
One in five adults regularly find “excessive” condensation in their homes – with 12% even having been forced to relocate for good just as a result of this alone.
And 21% are currently living with damp, while 24% have found mould in their home – with 24%, of the 2,000 adults polled, unsure as to what causes these issues.
The most commonly-affected surfaces for mould, damp, and condensation were found to be windows (65%), walls (61%), and ceilings (43%).
And 42% say they have reduced the amount they heat their home this winter due to the rising cost of energy – exacerbating the issue.
Some of the top ways Brits have attempted to tackle the problem include ventilating areas when drying clothes indoors (34%), keeping lids on pans when cooking (29%), and opening windows at night (23%).
Others have invested in anti-mould spray (36%), dehumidifiers (36%), and portable heaters (16%).
And 71% have spent money in an effort to get rid of damp, condensation, or mould in the past 18 months – an average of £92.
This is almost a quarter (23%) of the £400 energy support that households received from the Government.
A spokesman for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the study, said: “This latest research confirms the size of the problem.
“Affording to stay warm is hard enough as it is, without all the additional problems that come with having a damp home.
“Our nationwide rollout of free Bill Buster sessions has enabled us to hear first-hand from households who are struggling with various issues related to the cost of energy – condensation and damp were a common theme.”
The study also found renters seem to suffer more, with 34% of them living with mould – compared to 22% of homeowners.
And 27% of renters are suffering with damp, in contrast to just 19% of owners.
More than a third of tenants (35%) reached out to their landlord for help or advice – only for 44% to not hear back.
This left them feeling frustrated (69%) and helpless (43%).
It also emerged three-quarters do not know their legal rights as a renter when it comes to damp.
A fifth (21%) of all those polled have struggled with condensation in the past 12 months more than ever before.
And 44% believe if increasing costs continue, everyone will experience a similar issue at some point.
Almost two-thirds (61%) don’t think there has been enough help from the likes of the Government or councils to assist in the rising cost of energy this winter.
As a result of condensation specifically, one in four have been forced to throw away soft furnishings such as cushions or blinds, while 23% have had to replace clothes.
Common ways to see to the issue include wiping down surfaces to remove it (60%), and placing a heater near the affected area (22%) – while 19% have even called in an expert to help.
But more than three-quarters (79%), polled via OnePoll, aren't aware of grants available so they can improve their property to avoid damp, condensation, and mould.
Utilita Energy’s spokesman added: “Being a specialist Smart PAYG energy provider, around 75% of our customer base are tenants, hence this awareness campaign.
“We hope landlords will take notice and be more forthcoming with support to avoid long-term damage.”
