As the UK shivers under a blanket of snow and ice, money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued crucial advice on combating condensation and dampness in homes, offering a verdict that could help keep properties dry and energy bills lower.
Freezing Weather Brings Widespread Disruption
The nation is currently enduring several days of what forecasters describe as "intense" winter conditions. Sub-zero temperatures, significant snowfall, and icy conditions have led to school closures and travel disruption, particularly across northern areas.
This cold snap follows Storm Goretti, which brought 99mph winds and prompted the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for "dangerous, stormy" conditions in the South West. The severe weather has also caused power outages, with over 50,000 properties left without electricity in the South West on Thursday evening, alongside thousands more in the West Midlands and Wales.
With heating systems working overtime and the need to dry laundry indoors, many Britons are waking up to "streaming windows" and increasing moisture levels inside their homes.
Martin Lewis's Money-Saving Moisture Solutions
On his BBC Sounds podcast, Martin Lewis addressed a listener's concern about a flat becoming progressively damp from drying washing indoors. The central question was whether buying a dehumidifier would be cheaper than cranking up the heating to combat moisture.
"Dehumidifiers take water out of the air rather than use the heating and they're much lower wattage appliances than standard heating," Lewis explained. His clear verdict was that "if the dehumidifier works for you, it will definitely have lower electricity bills."
He also warned households about a common but costly appliance. "Do you know what the real 'demon appliance' is in most people's houses... Tumble dryers," he stated, noting they can cost "up to a quid per load." His advice is to use an outdoor airer where possible to shorten tumble dryer use, or avoid it completely. For those needing to dry clothes inside, a dehumidifier can extract moisture more cost-effectively due to its lower energy consumption.
Extra Tips for a Warmer, Drier Home
The Money Saving Expert website, founded by Lewis, also recommends a simple DIY solution for heat retention. While not technically clingfilm, a thin transparent plastic film applied to windows can act as secondary glazing, trapping a layer of air and reducing heat escape.
The site advises this is a cheap and simple measure, especially effective for single-glazed windows. However, it stresses that fixing draughty windows should be a priority alongside adding any secondary layer to gain the full benefit.
All these tips form part of Lewis's ongoing guidance for keeping homes warm in winter, which his MSE site confirms remains current and vital advice for households looking to manage both comfort and cost during the prolonged cold spell.
