How to Prevent Window Condensation
When you see little beads of water forming on the windows of your home, it’s known as condensation. However, condensation is usually not an issue with our windows. It’s a result of the humidity inside of our home or the environment outside of our home.
If temperatures drop to 40°F, some windows, frames and sills will have sweat on the insides. This happens if the humidity level in your home is too high. A device known as a hygrometer can be used to measure humidity levels. Gas and propane release a lot of moisture when they burn, so the fireplace will increase the moisture level in your home significantly.
Window condensation can be irritating and unattractive, but left untreated, it can cause damage to your home and health. If excess moisture is inside your home, more than the areas around the windows are in danger. It can rot wood, cause mold and mildew and damage plaster.
What Causes Condensation?
Excess moisture in the air is the culprit of window condensation. Indoor moisture can be caused by a variety of factors such as cooking, showering, air conditioning, heating units, plants and even breathing.
If water or ice is beading on the inside of your windows, then excess humidity is inside your home. Interior window condensation is caused by excessive moisture in the home and will form when the warm air means with the cold windows. Exterior window condensation is simply dew and will evaporate.
Condensation between window panes will occur if the seal is broken. Seal failure is a big problem and can only be truly repaired by replacing your windows. When the seal is broken, the gases in between the panes can no longer insulate your windows.
If you’re experiencing seal failure, you can count on Feldco for the best window replacement in Rockford – get a free quote now.
Preventing Interior Window Condensation
Since window condensation is usually a minor inconvenience, there are a few ways to prevent it. We’ll go over some of the most effective methods to preventing window condensation below.
1. Turn Down the Humidifier
Many people use humidifiers in room such as nurseries, kitchens and bathrooms. If you use a humidifier, turn it down to release less moisture into the air. This will reduce the condensation on windows.
2. Invest in a Moisture Eliminator
Moisture eliminating products, such as DampRid, can remove excess moisture from the air. These products often come in buckets or bags that can be placed in bathrooms, kitchens or closets and will help protect other products from moisture damage.
3. Fans for Kitchens and Bathrooms
If the oven or shower is on, then an exhaust fan needs to be running. Moisture from these two activities can accumulate quickly and cannot escape your home quick enough. Fans in both rooms need to be ran for 15 to 20 minutes after showering or cooking.
4. Circulate the Air
Using ceiling fans, even in the colder months, can help reduce the condensation on windows. Rotate the fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air off the ceiling and back down to the floor. Even opening the windows for a few minutes could help release some of the moisture trapped inside your home.
5. Raise the Temperature
Condensation occurs when warm air touches a cold surface. Raise the temperature of windows by increasing the temperature of the house, or invest in blinds, curtains or drapes.
6. Use Storm Windows and Weather Stripping
Storm windows can help reduce condensation on the interior of windows during the winter months. They also help with heating bills and frost buildup. Adding weather stripping can help keep warm air from escaping your home as well.
Move the Plants
Plants release more moisture into the air. If they’re sitting by your windows, move them to help reduce condensation on the windows.
8. Invest in a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers come in several sizes, range in price and have several features depending on your needs. There are two main types – refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers draw in air through a filter and over cold coils where water then condenses on the coils and drips into the water tank. Desiccant dehumidifiers use an adsorbent material to extract water from the air. These are designed to work in lower temperatures like garages or basements.
9. Air to Air Exchanger
A more expensive way to reduce moisture and condensation in your home is an air to air exchanger. This device is easy to use and brings fresh air from the outside and takes the indoor air to the outdoors. It’ll remove pollutants from your home as well.
Reduce the Overall Relative Humidity First
- Reducing the houseplants will reduce the overall relative humidity
- Make sure the dryer vent goes outdoors and is sealed well
- Don’t hang out wet or damp laundry indoors
- Cover up aquariums to reduce humidity
- Seal basement floors and walls by painting or coating them with concrete sealer
- Inspect the gutters and drains to divert water away from your house and foundation
Preventing Exterior Window Condensation
1. Rain X
Commonly used on windshields, Rain X is a great product to help reduce condensation on the windows of your home as well. By applying Rain X to the exterior of the glass, the water will gather and run straight off the window.
2. Patience
Once the sun warms the windows, the condensation will evaporate.
When to Worry About Condensation
Condensation can very easily be a temporary issue. If the home is new construction or newly remodeled, then it’s built much more tightly than an older home meaning moisture will not escape as easily.
As a new home, it’s also possible that concrete, wood and other materials are still drying out. It can take 12 to 18 months for materials to completely dry depending on conditions.
On colder evenings, leave your doors open and let the humid indoor air out for 10 to 15 minutes. Quick changes in temperature and the beginning of each heating season can also present temporary issues in condensation.
If condensation remains on the windows throughout the day, even in warmer temperatures and it’s running down the walls, it has become a big problem. If any discoloration or peeling of the wallpaper has occurred or if the air smells musty, your home has a high humidity level and needs to be treated.
Window condensation can certainly be a problem, but in most cases, it can be prevented. Take these tips into consideration and replace single-pane glass windows with double paned glass with low-e coating and argon gas filling. While this isn’t guaranteed to eliminate condensation, it’ll significantly reduce the visible signs of excess humidity.
Even though we all appreciate the messages and art work inscribed on the inside of the window glass, don’t let the indication that something needs to be adjusted in your home go unnoticed.
Window Condensation is Preventable
Window condensation isn’t something you should immediately get worked up about (unless, of course, it’s seal failure). It’s extremely preventable with a few easy solutions. It’s easy to rid your windows of condensation.
If you’re experience seal failure, you may want to replace your windows. Rockford’s window company of choice is Feldco. We’ve been serving the Midwest for over 40 years and would love to help you find the perfect replacement windows for your home. Get a free quote now and we can get started.