Do not turn off the heating completely, leave the ventilation and interior doors open, and make sure no wet items are left in the house before you leave. Milieu Centraal recommends 10 °C for longer absences, while Longfonds advises at least 15 °C to prevent mould. A dehumidifier can provide extra peace of mind.
Why does an empty house become damp?
In an occupied house, moisture is removed through ventilation and by heating the home. If you are away for a week, moisture production from cooking and showering largely stops, but a cold, tightly closed home can still become damp. Moisture from the building, a crawl space, or wet items remains. According to the RIVM, moisture problems arise due to structural causes such as condensation on cold walls and the behaviour of residents, such as showering and drying laundry. When you go away, you are mainly left with structural causes: cold walls, no air circulation, and moisture that lingers.
Heating: 10 or 15 degrees?
Two pieces of advice conflict here. Milieu Centraal recommends a thermostat setting of 10 °C for an absence of several days or longer, with the radiator valves and interior doors open. This saves energy. Longfonds advises combining ventilation and heating and keeping the indoor temperature at at least 15 °C, even at night to prevent mould. If you have a well-insulated, dry home, a lower setting is often perfectly fine. If you have a home with a history of condensation, mould, or cold walls, a slightly higher setting is safer. Choose the balance yourself and do not turn off the thermostat. Read more about setting an electric heater efficiently.
What should you do before leaving?
Take the following steps. Dry your laundry beforehand so that no wet laundry is hanging in the house. Ventilate the bathroom and shower room thoroughly and wipe down tiles and mirrors. Empty the bin containing wet waste and do not leave plants in water. Leave the ventilation grilles open, because according to Longfonds, you should ventilate continuously, even when you are not there. Leave the interior doors open so that heat and air can circulate. Remove damp towels and check that the washing machine and dishwasher are empty and open. Also check if there is a leak or condensation somewhere that you might miss. If you have a basement or attic, read how to prevent moisture and a musty smell in the basement.
| Before leaving | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat | Do not turn off; set to 10 to 15 °C depending on your home | Cold walls cause condensation |
| Doors | Leave interior doors open | Air and heat circulate |
| Ventilation | Leave grilles open | Moisture can escape |
| Wet items | Dry or take away laundry and towels | Less moisture in the house |
| Dehumidifier | Optional in a sensitive room | Keeps the air drier |
Direct answer: do not turn off the heating, but set it low, leave the ventilation and interior doors open, and remove wet items. A dehumidifier is optional in a moisture-sensitive room.
When is a dehumidifier useful?
A dehumidifier is particularly suitable for a home or room where you previously had moisture or a musty smell, such as a bedroom on the north side, a basement, or a windowless bathroom. Place it somewhere where water will not cause damage, keep the door closed, and use the timer. Do keep in mind, however, that leaving a device running alone for days is a trade-off. Choose a model with a safety sensor that switches it off when the tank is full, and check beforehand whether the tank is large enough. A dehumidifier does not solve a structural moisture source, such as a leak.
Dynter DH251 dehumidifier
The Dynter DH251 has a timer and a safety sensor, making it suitable for a room where you want to keep the air dry.
Dehumidification: up to 900 ml per day
Water tank: 3800 ml
Suitable for: rooms up to 55 m², 80 W
Timer: adjustable from 1 to 24 hours
Safety: safety sensor that switches it off when the tank is full
View the Dynter DH251 dehumidifier or discover the Dynter dehumidifiers. Read more? See how to ventilate in winter without losing much heat and why your house smells musty and what you can do about it.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn off the heating if I am away for a week?
Not completely. Milieu Centraal recommends 10 °C for longer absences, with the valves and doors open. Longfonds advises at least 15 °C to prevent mould. Choose depending on how sensitive your home is to moisture.
Can I leave a dehumidifier running alone while I am away?
You can with a model that has a safety sensor and a timer, but check the tank and the plug beforehand. Never place it in a room where water could cause damage without anyone noticing.
Should the ventilation grilles remain open while I am away?
Yes. Longfonds advises ventilating even when you are away, so that your home feels fresh upon your return and moisture does not linger.
What if I smell a musty odour when I return?
Ventilate thoroughly, check if there is moisture or mould anywhere, and heat the home again. If you have respiratory complaints, contact your GP.