A damp feeling home usually comes down to one thing. Too much moisture in the air. When humidity rises above sixty percent the air feels heavy, clothes dry slowly and surfaces attract condensation.
Most common reasons a house feels damp
- Drying clothes indoors without ventilation.
- Cold rooms where moisture settles on walls and windows.
- Blocked trickle vents or closed bathroom/kitchen doors.
- Showers and cooking adding litres of moisture each day.
How to fix a damp indoor environment
- Run a dehumidifier for one to three hours daily.
- Ventilate rooms after showers and cooking.
- Improve airflow by opening internal doors.
- Keep heating steady rather than letting rooms chill.
Check the actual humidity
A simple digital hygrometer costs less than ten pounds and gives a clear reading. Aim for around fifty percent for comfort and mould prevention.
When damp can indicate a bigger issue
Persistent damp patches on walls, bubbling paint or a strong musty smell may suggest underlying leaks. In most homes though, everyday moisture is the cause.
Once humidity is controlled, the damp feeling usually disappears within a few days.