Our house had only single glazed windows (half of them sash) which were rotten. So first thing was getting quotes from window people. Who went with this process before knows, this is the worst experience for a new time buyers but after 16 shark window sales people we have chosen 2 companies. One changing windows + door at the back for UPVC and one changing our sash windows for new wooden double glazed sash.
We were so happy with them! No more draft and new windows are high energy saving. Over the months we were updating our cottage. Draft proofing, isolating our loft and generally trying to keep our heat in. Unfortunately who has experience with old houses know that only draft proofing is not enough. We have noticed wet patches on the walls and our shiny new windows were dripping wet in the morning.
Firstly we taught that our brigs are bringing rain in from outside but then why is moisture even on the places where brigs don't get wet with rain?
Secondary dark patches showed up. We had a problem with mould. Suddenly it was everywhere.
Our draft proofing our Victorian cottage created problem with condensation and mould.
In that time we were trying also save money on heating. Our last year Christmas gas + electricity bill was £198.00!!! that was before new windows and isolated loft. We didn't want to pay bill like this again. So we put our heating down, switched off all appliances which we didn't use ( off you go you microwave clock) and even got switch plug on TV (which will completely turn off TV).
Our monthly bills over winter went down to £150.00. We got used to have only 17C. We started put on thick jumpers and socks.
So when we changed our windows + did some draft proof, temperature in the house wasn't very high. Together with trying to dry our clothes inside + some tumble drying we had just too much moisture in the coldish house. It just condensate on the coldest places in the house and having just full bricks house, it was on the walls.
We had 2 choices. Isolate our really nice bricks or get rid of moisture. We didn't want to cover our house with isolation. It will loose its value and also we are end of terrace. So our new best friend became our new dehumidifier for short called Jack.
We still open windows for short time to change air but suddenly clothes are dry, our bathroom is not wet and smelly and walls are not dripping. Our Jack usually works overnight. We rotate it around house. One night in the bathroom another next to the newly washed clothes. It works and for this small miracle we get over its electricity bill.
Now second winter in and we again put our heating down. It is surprising what you can get used to. Our house is not more than 15 - 16C .
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