How to Reduce Moisture and Condensation In Your Home Throughout Winter

In the cold months moisture can build up around your home in Central Otago if your home is older and inadequately insulated and ventilated.  Reducing moisture in your home is important for maintaining a healthy living environment, preventing mould growth, reducing running costs and avoiding structural damage.  Musty smells, weeping windows, mouldy walls and ceilings and damp clothes are all signs you need to reduce moisture and increase ventilation and heating in your home.

There are many sources of moisture in the home which come from daily activities like showering, drying clothes and cooking.  One of the main sources of dampness is moisture rising from the ground and evaporating through your floors.  By reducing the impact from these activities you will start to gain a much healthier living environment for you and your family.

Here are some effective strategies for reducing moisture in your home:

Preventing Moisture Entry

1. Seal Leaks: Inspect and seal any leaks in the roof, walls, windows, and doors to prevent rainwater from entering your home.
2. Proper Drainage: Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling near the house.
3. Plumbing Issues: Check for dampness under your house and fix any drainage, guttering, downpipe or plumbing problems as soon as they appear.

Ventilation

1. Extractor Fans: Install and use exhaust fans (vented outside) in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room to remove moisture from cooking, showering, and washing clothes.
2. Open Windows: Regularly open windows, especially in damp areas like bathrooms and laundries, to allow fresh air to circulate and help reduce indoor humidity.
3. Closing Doors: to contain steam/condensation in wet areas.
4. Clothes Dryers: Direct clothes dryer exhaust to the outside. A typical load holds 5 litres of water, which is released as water vapor and can result in thousands of litres of damp air.
5. Install a Controlled Ventilation System: The optimal solution for home ventilation is mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). These systems manage both the incoming and outgoing air in your home. They also recycle heat through a domestic heat exchanger, ensuring a constant supply of warm, fresh air while continuously expelling stale, cold air.

Insulation

1. Proper Insulation: Ensure your home is well-insulated through the ceiling, floor and walls to prevent condensation on walls and ceilings.
2. Install Double Glazed Windows: In 2023 in NZ, there were changes made to the building code significantly increasing the minimum insulation requirements. New homes are now required to install high-performance double-glazing units and thermally separated aluminum joinery.
3. Check Existing Insulation: Insulation can degrade over time, generally it is advised that after 15 years it is worth getting it checked.  When checking, depending on the space available, ensure that the insulation fills up as much as it can to the top of the roof/ceiling joists.

Heating

1. World Health Organisation Recommendations: WHO recommends maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 16ºC in bedrooms and 18ºC in living areas to keep your home at the optimal level.  If the indoor temperature is at least 7ºC higher than the outdoor temperature, it will prevent condensation from forming on colder surfaces.
2. Radiant Heating: Making the switch to a radiant heating system is one of the best preventative methods available. By heating both the air and surfaces in all areas of the house you will maintain a warm indoor temperature throughout winter and considerably reduce humidity levels.
3. Consistent Heat: Use low constant levels of heat all the time rather than high levels in short bursts. This will reduce the chances of condensation building up.

Maintenance

1. Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and maintain gutters, downspouts, vents and drainage systems to ensure proper water flow away from your home.  Cleaning and maintenance is essential to ensure the structure of the home is maintained.
2. Monitor Humidity Levels: Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels and keep them between 30-50%.
3. Changing Filters Regularly: Controlled ventilation systems require annual maintenance, and the filters need to be replaced on an annual basis to ensure the system will be delivering the best results.

By following these tips, you can effectively reduce moisture in your home and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.  The most effective and long-term solutions is to install a controlled ventilation system and a radiant heating system.

If you need advice about ventilation, heating and plumbing in your home contact Optum, the heating and ventilation specialists in Queenstown, Wanaka and Surrounds

Call us on 03 443 5718 or email admin@optum.co.nz

Optum’s Guide to Looking After Your Waste Disposal

Waste disposal units are popular in NZ homes but when they are blocked it can be very frustrating and expensive to repair.  Waste disposal manufacturers have different advice on what you can and cant dispose of in their units.

Here we have prepared a general guide for most units that will ensure that your waste disposal system doesn’t get blocked in the future.  Follow these best practices and maintenance tips:

Do’s for Waste Disposal Maintenance

1. Use Cold Water: Always run a steady stream of cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps make it easier for food waste to be ground/chopped up and flushed through the system.
2. Small Batches: Feed waste into the disposal in small batches rather than all at once.  This ensures the grinder works at an optimum level and doesn’t get clogged.
3. Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean your disposal to prevent build-up. You can do this by filling the sink with hot water and detergent before turning on the waste disposal and letting it run through.

Don’ts for Waste Disposals to Avoid Clogs

1. No Grease, Oil, or Fat: Never pour grease, oil, or fat down the disposal. These substances solidify and create blockages in your pipes.
2. No Fibrous Foods: Avoid grinding fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes.
3. No Hard Materials: Do not put hard materials such as bones, fruit pits, or shells (like from shellfish) into the disposal. These can damage the blades/grinder and motor.
4. No Starchy Foods: Be cautious with starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potato peels. These can form a thick paste and clog your disposal and pipes.
5. No Non-Food Items: Ensure only food waste goes into the disposal.  Items like plastic, paper, metal, or glass will severely damage the disposal.

Routine Maintenance Tips

1. Monthly Deep Clean: Perform a deep clean once a month.  You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or dishwashing detergent. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar.  Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.
2. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners can damage your disposal and pipes.  Stick to natural cleaning methods or use products specifically designed for garbage disposals.
3. Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect the disposal and the area under the sink for leaks.  Address any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and mould growth.
4. Professional Inspection: If you notice persistent issues or slow drainage, consider having a professional inspect and service your disposal system before it gets clogged.

Coffee Grounds and Eggshells

We are often asked if it is okay to put eggshells and coffee grounds in a waste disposal?  Neither of these materials is specifically harmful to a disposal however, problems can arise with household plumbing and drains – especially if it is an older system or has not been flushed or checked in years.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your waste disposal system running smoothly and avoid clogs and breakdowns

If you’re having trouble with your waste disposal contact Optum the plumbing specialists in Queenstown, Wanaka and Surrounds

Call: 03 443 5718

Email: admin@optum.co.nz

5 Reasons to Replace Your Heating System Before Winter Kicks In

Winter in the deep South of New Zealand is fast approaching, bringing with it the necessity for a reliable and efficient home heating system.  With temperatures that can plummet below 0 degrees if you’re heating isn’t working optimally then it is going to wreck havoc on your home comfort and health.  If you’ve been delaying the replacement of your heating system, now is the ideal time to take action.  Here are five compelling reasons to replace your heating system before winter really kicks in:

1. Improved Efficiency – Upgrading to a new heating system will greatly enhance your home’s energy efficiency.  Modern heating systems are designed to use less fuel while producing the same amount of heat.  This upgrade can lead to significant savings on your energy bills and a reduction in your carbon footprint.
2. Better Air Quality – Old heating systems often accumulate dust and debris, which can negatively impact indoor air quality.  A new heating system offers better ventilation and filtration, reducing dust, pollen, and other allergens in your home.  This is especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
3. Increased Comfort – Older systems often struggle to maintain a uniform temperature, resulting in cold spots and uneven heating.  A new heating system ensures more consistent and comfortable heating throughout your home.  A new system will eliminate heating issues, keeping your home warm and cozy throughout the winter.
4. Reduced Risk of Breakdowns – Older heating systems are more likely to break down or malfunction, leading to inconvenient and costly repairs.  Replacing your heating system before winter can reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, ensuring your home remains warm and comfortable all season long.
5. Cost Savings – Although the initial cost of a new heating system might seem high, it will save you money in the long run.  New systems are more energy-efficient, which can lead to significant savings on energy bills.  Additionally, newer systems typically require fewer repairs and less maintenance, reducing overall maintenance costs.

If you’re thinking of replacing your old system for a brand new central heating solution this Autumn contact us for advice and support.  Optum will assess the current system and then give you expert advice and insights to help you make that decision.

Optum the central heating specialists in Queenstown, Wanaka and Surrounds

Call: 03 443 5718

Email: admin@optum.co.nz