Uswitch has released a damning report highlighting the growing problem of mould in UK homes.
With rising energy costs meaning more people are struggling to keep their homes warm, damp and mould is becoming an increasing concern in households across the country.
The Mouldy Nation Report looked at data collected on all housing types – private, rented, local authority and housing association accommodation – and it found that across the board incidences of mould were up on the previous year.
Drilling into the data, Uswitch’s report found that over 60% of the 2,000 households surveyed have experienced mould at least once in their homes – up from 58% the previous year. Of those, 31% reported they were facing recurring issues, while 37% said that the mould was so severe they had to leave their home.
The most mouldy housing type was found to be privately owned homes, where an alarming 43% said they’d encountered at least some degree of fungus.
Elsewhere in the report it was revealed the Housing Ombudsman has received a whopping 16,098 complaints since 2019, indicating yearly increases of 17.7%.
Rising Energy Costs
Incidentally, almost all of those who reported experiencing mould said they’re struggling to keep their home warm. This comes as little surprise as mould thrives in cold homes with low temperatures leading to higher humidity levels as moisture condenses on cool surfaces.
When homeowners struggle with energy bills and cannot adequately heat their homes, this creates the perfect environment for mould to grow and spread. So it’s unsurprising to see a direct correlation between rising energy bills and the presence of mould.
At the start of the year, the energy regulator Ofgem raised the energy price cap, allowing suppliers to charge customers more for their electricity and gas.
So with bills set to rise, don't expect the mould issue to disappear any time soon. In fact, worryingly the problem may get a lot worse before it gets any better!
If your energy bills are a concern and you’re looking to save money on your heating costs, Uswitch offers over 100 free energy-saving tips. Follow some of these steps and you may be able to slash a significant chunk off your bills.
Anti-Mould Products
Left untreated, mould can cause a number of health issues for you and your family. As well as exacerbating any allergies you may have, the spores and mycotoxins produced by mould can cause respiratory issues such as asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Thankfully, there are some nifty devices that will provide a real breath of fresh air by preventing mould from accumulating in your home. Here’s our pick of the best products to help stave off mould and keep your home clean and safe:
Vent-Axia PoziDry
The Vent-Axia PoziDry Pro series comprises Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units designed to effectively combat condensation and mould in residential properties. By introducing fresh, filtered air into the home, these units reduce indoor humidity levels, thereby preventing the formation of mould.
So by implementing a PoziDry Pro system, this not only enhances indoor air quality but also promotes a healthier living environment by shielding you from health issues such as respiratory problems and allergies.
The PoziDry system works by creating positive pressure, which helps to force damp, stale air out through cracks, vents, and natural ventilation points in the home. By continuously supplying fresh, filtered air, it improves indoor air quality and prevents condensation-related damp issues. The unit also monitors air temperature, ensuring that warm, clean air is recirculated back into the living space, enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining a healthier home environment.
If energy consumption is a concern, it doesn't need to be. That’s because, as well as being highly effective in preventing mould, these devices are also incredibly energy efficient. The PoziDry Compact Pro has flow rates adjustable in 1l/s increments up to 30l/s and features a dc motor which allows it to run as low as 4W, resulting in extremely low running costs — from as little as below 9p per week!
Vent-Axia 443312 Lo-Carbon Tempra P HRU
Elsewhere, the Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon Tempra P Heat Recovery Unit is designed to prevent mould growth in homes by effectively managing indoor humidity levels. By continuously extracting stale, moisture-laden air and replacing it with fresh, filtered air, the unit reduces condensation—a primary cause of mould formation.
Its heat recovery capability ensures that up to 78% of the heat from the extracted air is transferred to the incoming air, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while promoting a healthier living environment.
Vent Axia 443310 Lo-Carbon Tempra T HRU
The Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon Tempra T Heat Recovery Unit shares many features with the Tempra P model, including its ability to prevent mould by managing indoor humidity through continuous ventilation and heat recovery of up to 78%.
However, the Tempra T distinguishes itself with an integrated overrun timer, allowing the unit to continue operating for a set period after being switched off. This feature ensures optimal moisture extraction, further reducing the risk of condensation and mould growth in your home.
Each of these products is designed to reduce humidity in the home, preventing damp and mould and protecting you from the potential danger of airborne spores and mycotoxins. So if you’re concerned about mould and you’re looking for ventilation units to help breathe new life into your indoor living space, these options are certainly worth considering!
