House very cold since full insulation fitted

[Mandy2003]

I am getting concerned about my father's house, he is saying that the temperature indoors never rises above 64 Fahrenheit even on an average summer day. He has had all the cavity walls insulated over the years, loft insulation and double glazing. Since this has been done the house never warms up naturally. My flat for instance is constantly over 72 Fahrenheit with no heating on, even in this colder spell.

Is it common for insulated houses to be colder until the central heating is put on?

He has taken to drying his laundry indoors, not opening any windows and due to an inefficient gas-guzzling boiler, is unwilling to put the central heating on.

Consequently he is beginning to smell very swampy, leather shoes and bags in cupboards are getting mildewed, etc. No black mould on walls yet. I have told him time and time again about ventilation, but I am more concerned about the fact that the house never warms up. The cold seems to be making him confused, and he has allergy symptoms but says that allergies to mould spores do not exist.

He has the house on the market but I am afraid as it gets more and more damp and smelly that selling will become very difficult.

[7to25]

This sounds a bit like my PIL house.
Their house is only 25 years old and they claim that it is insulated to the max but in summer it is freezing and damp, especially in the north facing rooms. They dry and air clothes in these rooms, which I feel contributes to the problem. I can smell the damp.
They too will not use heating or a tumble dryer. How about a de-humidifier in the worst affected rooms?
Dealing with older people can be difficult.
How about a new boiler?

[kellestar]

In older houses the cavity is designed to ventilate the house and keep damp away. Often peole get caught out over insulating older houses and loose the natual ventilation they once had. It's worth trying to see if new vents can be sorted for him. The damp should clear up. Certainly investigate getting a new combi boiler very efficient as they only heat what you use. Thermostats on the radiators are very handy to keep room temps controlled.

My GP had all their cavities insulated and damp came on all winter. Had a friend round to install a couple of thru vents and it's much better.

Also advised them to avoid putting heating off/on when needed at full blast, rather to set the thermostats and keep the house at a steady/low warmth to stop the chills coming in. Thermal curtain lining are a god send as well. But if you have vents in you windows they can slow down ventilation.

I also found a flat stays warmer than a house, not sure if this is due to other flats having heating on, or the larger volume of bodies.

[HoneyPablo]

64f is not really cold though. It's just under 18c, which isn't bad for an unheated house.

We have just had our house fully insulated and windows replaced and we have noticed a huge difference in the temperature. It's much warmer and the temperature rarely falls below 20c.

But, like your dad, I dry my washing inside and have problems with the ceiling paper comimg off above where I dry the washing.

I solved the problem by opening the windows.

Is there anybody who could go round and give him some advice- local builder friend or the like? If it comes from somebody else he might be more inclined to listen.

[kbaby]

I guess in the summer the insulation is having the effect of keeping warm air out. Which shows the insulation is working correctly, its trying to keep the house at a constant temperature. My parents house is always damp and they have to have a portable dehumidifer and also vents to air certain rooms.