British engineer reveals secret to fighting damp: a simple gadget for £10.

According to The Sun: A British Gas engineer has shared a valuable product that can help combat damp and mold in your home this winter.

During the cold season, households are more likely to face mold issues, as increased humidity and low temperatures promote its growth.

This issue becomes especially relevant if you do not use central heating or dry laundry indoors.

Moisture condenses on walls and windows, creating ideal conditions for mold to develop.

The cost of resolving such problems can range from £100 to £5,000, according to data from Checkatrade.

However, you can prevent these problems.

Sunny spoke with Sunny Solanki, a British Gas service and repair engineer, who discussed a budget solution that may be unknown to many.

Sunny advised to pay attention to thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) – a product available in most hardware stores.

This type of radiator valve helps control the flow of water to the radiators.

When the temperature in the room reaches a set level, the valve stops the supply of the heat transfer fluid, whereas traditional valves merely turn the radiators on or off.

41-year-old Sunny noted that these valves are a helpful solution that 'controls the temperature in the room' where it is not currently needed.

“Thermostatic radiator valves are a simple and effective way to control your heating and reduce energy consumption,” he explained.

“Installing a valve is not cumbersome for most homeowners – in many cases, it is sufficient to simply unscrew the old valve and install a new one.”

This is especially advisable to do in rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms. Sunny emphasized that heating such rooms can help prevent mold growth.

Tips from Sunny

Sunny Solanki shares tips for households looking to prepare their homes for the cold and reduce the risk of heating system failures.

• Optimize the thermostat: Set the main thermostat between 18°C and 21°C to save about 10% on heating bills.
• Check the boiler pressure: The pressure should be between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it's below 1 bar, you need to adjust it.
• Bleed the radiators: If you feel cold spots, use a radiator key to remove trapped air.

Sunny also stressed that it is important to heat these rooms to 'prevent moisture and mold formation.'

In one store, he found a valve for £9.99, but other models can cost up to £50. Consumers highly rate this product, calling it 'affordable and effective.'

To install the valve, you can try to do it yourself, but if you are unsure of your abilities, it is better to consult a qualified professional.

Other energy-saving tips

Sunny also noted that saving heat does not always require spending large sums. Simply considering the placement of furniture away from radiators can improve heating efficiency.

“Let the heat come out of the radiator; otherwise, it will be heating the furniture,” he added.

Managing moisture and energy in the home can present an opportunity not only to avoid hassle but also to save significantly on costs. Using the thermostatic valves suggested by Sunny will ensure you stay comfortable during the cold months, while ordinary measures for heat retention will benefit your budget.