NOT only is mould an incredible eyesore but it’s also a massive health hazard and can be pricey to get rid of if it spreads.
With energy costs still high, many Brits are stuck between avoiding hefty bills and heating their homes enough to stop the green stuff from taking over.
The key is to find the perfect sweet spot temperature to avoid mould building up in your home.
Experts say maintaining a consistent indoor temperature of 18-21°C is key to preventing mould growth, especially in the colder months when condensation builds up in homes.
Mould poses a serious health risk, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that exposure to dampness and mould increases the risk of respiratory infections and allergies by up to 50%.
It’s not just physical health at risk either.
A University of Manchester study found that living in damp, mouldy conditions can worsen anxiety and depression, especially in lower-income households where people feel helpless to fix the problem.
While keeping heating at a steady level helps, sky-high energy costs mean many households are struggling to afford it.
fgem’s latest figures show that the average gas price is now 7p per kWh, up from 5.5p last year, while electricity sits at 27p per kWh, meaning many Brits are keeping heating off for longer to save cash.
Experts recommend using a dehumidifier to combat mould while keeping energy costs low.
Chris Michael, Managing Director at Meaco, stresses the importance of energy efficiency when shopping for one.
“It’s a false economy to buy a cheap dehumidifier that has a high wattage as the running costs will quickly surpass the initial purchase cost savings when compared to a low-energy model,” he warns.
He also suggests looking for a dehumidifier with a laundry mode, which can help dry clothes indoors without relying on expensive tumble dryers.
“In laundry mode, the machine runs for six hours, which is the average time it needs to dry a load of washing, then switches itself off to save on energy bills,” he explains.
Basic dehumidifier models start at around £50, while more advanced options can cost upwards of £200.
The Conopu Dehumidifier is currently priced at £30.99 online, while a larger 1800ml model is available on Amazonfor £55.99.
Devola offers a 12L Compressor Dehumidifier, which is more pricier, retailing at £119.95.
You can find the Sun’s guide to buying the perfect dehumidifier for your home here.
What size dehumidifier for your house?
Bigger the home, bigger the dehumidifier Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco explains.
- Up to 2 bedroom flat house = 10L
- Up to 3 bedroom house = 12L
- Up to 4 bedroom house = 20L
- Up to 5 bedrooms or larger = 25L
Make sure to do your research before buying to avoid disappointment by picking a product not suitable for the size of the space.
Aside from heating and dehumidifiers, other ways to prevent mould include using smart thermostats like Hive or Nest, which automatically regulate temperature and humidity.
Additionally, investing in mould-resistant paint such as Zinsser Perma-White will also help.
Proper ventilation is also crucial.
Installing a positive input ventilation (PIV) system or a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) can improve air circulation and help keep moisture levels in check.
If mould does appear, experts warn that bleach, while effective on non-porous surfaces, doesn’t kill mould at its roots.
Vinegar is a safer option, but for best results, commercial mould removers like HG Mould Spray or Cillit Bang Black Mould Remover are recommended.
In severe cases, professional removal may be necessary. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) estimates that mould remediation costs between £200 and £1,000, depending on the extent of the problem.
With the cost-of-living crisis showing no signs of easing and energy bills predicted to remain high throughout 2025, ensuring homes stay warm and dry is more important than ever.
Smart heating solutions, dehumidifiers, and proper ventilation can all help prevent mould while keeping costs under control.
An expert’s guide to removing mould and repainting walls
Not only does mould look ugly, but if it’s not treated properly it can impact your health.
Ronseal shared its guide to removing, fixing and preventing mould infestations.
You should only remove mould if it’s caused by condensation and covers an area smaller than one metre squared. If the mould is caused by sewage or contaminated water, call in a professional.
Before you start, wear goggles, long rubber gloves and a mask that covers your nose and mouth to protect you from the mould spores. Open the windows for added ventilation but keep the doors shut to avoid spores spreading.
How to remove mould from walls:
- Fill a bucket with water and mild detergent like washing up liquid. Or use a dedicated mould remover to make quick work of it.
- Dip a cloth in water and wipe the mould off the wall. Don’t brush it as this can release mould spores.
- Once you’ve removed the mould, use a dry rag to remove the rest of the moisture.
- Throw away the cloth and vacuum the room to make sure you’ve removed all of the spores.
How to paint over mould:
Never ever paint over mould without killing it first. It won’t tackle the source of the problem and will make it look worse.
Once you’ve treated the affected area, use a specialist anti-mould paint to finish the job.
Damp stains can be painted over with a suitable paint like Ronseal’s 6 Year Anti Mould Paint, so long as the damp has dried and the source has been treated. Some damp sealants can be applied directly onto a wet surface, so check the instructions before you begin.
Energy bills to rise
Millions of households will see an increase in their energy costs in the coming weeks as the new price cap adjustment takes effect.
Starting April 1, the price cap is set to rise by approximately 6%, which will result in an average annual increase of £111 for families paying by direct debit.
The cap, determined by the regulatory body Ofgem, limits the amount energy providers can charge per unit of gas and electricity. However, individual bills may vary depending on usage.
This change primarily impacts those on standard variable tariffs, affecting around 28 million households.
Ofgem reviews and adjusts the price cap every three months, basing it on the wholesale prices of gas and electricity.
Households on fixed tariffs will not be affected by the April 1 price cap adjustment, as their rates remain constant throughout the duration of their contract.
For those on standard variable tariffs, it’s important to submit a meter reading before the price cap change to ensure you are billed at the current lower rate.
If a meter reading is not submitted by the deadline, your provider will estimate your usage, which could lead to higher charges.
Contact your energy provider to confirm the latest date for submitting a meter reading.
Note that households with smart meters or prepayment meters do not need to submit manual readings. However, if you have a smart meter, ensure it is operating in “smart mode” to guarantee accurate billing.
Find out how to submit a meter reading here.
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
