Published on: November 27, 2024
As the season shifts to cooler weather, you might start to see condensation on your windows. For many building owners, seeing condensation on windows can be alarming. But is it really a problem?
Window condensation isn’t always a bad thing, and in fact, is quite common during the colder months of the year. Read on to learn when it is a concern.
Most condensation on windows is normal. But in some circumstances, condensation can point to problems with your window’s seals. The key is where the condensation is located.
Condensation on the inside or outside of a window only indicates that the temperature inside differs greatly from the temperature outside.
Seeing condensation on the inside of your window is actually a good sign. It means that your windows are working the way they should and have a strong seal. It’s a sign of energy efficiency because the windows are preventing heat transfer, which makes the outer side of the glass a drastically different temperature than the inside layer of glass.
Condensation forms when warm air meets a cold surface. That’s why it is common in the winter months when the outside temperature is drastically different from your heated home.
However, condensation between the panes of double-paned or triple-paned windows is cause for concern.
You should worry about condensation when you see it between the panes of glass in your windows. When you see condensation between the windowpanes, it is a sign that your windows are failing.
Double- or triple-paned windows have a seal between the panes. When that seal breaks down, it allows moisture to seep in between your windowpanes. More moisture between windowpanes indicates a larger break in the seals.
Condensation between your windowpanes does indicate that it is time for new windows. You can replace the seals on your windows, but this process is time-consuming and costly. If the seals have worn down to the point where they need to be replaced, your windows are likely quite old and your home would benefit from new energy-efficient windows.
Once you start seeing condensation between the panes, you have grounds for mold growth. Mold can damage the window frame, further nudging you toward new windows.
Another important factor in evaluating your window condensation is to look at whether your window is leaking or simply has condensation on it.
The greatest indicator of a leak vs. condensation is whether the water is beading or only fogging up the glass. If what you’re seeing is fog, it’s likely condensation. But if the problem is on the seals or the frame and water is beading in this area, your window is leaking.
Now to the practical advice of what to do if you’re seeing condensation on the interior of your windows and find it annoying in the morning. Again, this is not cause for concern, but there are ways to mitigate the problem and get to enjoy your windows more in the winter.
If you’re running a humidifier in your home, you should turn it down. Condensation can be a sign of high indoor humidity. Less moisture in the air means less condensation. Whole home humidifiers or those that connect with your furnace can work wonders at keeping your skin from cracking and breaking during the winter. But if the settings are too high, it can also make it challenging to see out your windows when you first wake up.
If certain areas of your house experience massive moisture buildup, you can use a moisture-eliminating product to reduce that excess moisture. Products like DampRid come in bags you can hang or put in buckets and sit on the floor to help reduce moisture in areas such as the laundry room, kitchen and bathroom.
Any time you take a shower, you should run your exhaust fan to move the excess moisture out of your home. Do the same when you are cooking. The hood on your stove can help remove moisture when boiling water.
Ideally, you should run exhaust fans for 15-20 minutes after showering or cooking.
Some rooms of your home have a higher level of humidity naturally. You can help circulate that humidity throughout your home by running the whole house fan or turning on fans that rotate clockwise.
When the weather is mild, open your windows to allow the moist air that is trapped inside your home to escape. This should reduce the overall humidity of your home.
Because condensation is the result of warm air hitting a cold surface, you can reduce that condensation using window coverings. These can help keep the window more temperate and prevent some of the extreme temperature changes.
Plants release moisture into the air. So when you keep them near your windows, you create an environment that is friendly to condensation. While many plants need sunlight, getting them as far away from your windows as possible can help you enjoy your windows while still getting the benefits of indoor plants.
While many homes use a humidifier during the winter to replace moisture lost in heating their homes, some homes naturally have too much moisture even without a humidifier. For a few hundred dollars, you can reduce your home’s humidity with a standalone dehumidifier. You’ll have the option to only run it when the home’s humidity level reaches a certain level. Running it when humidity is above 40 percent can help reduce the likelihood of condensation on your windows.
If you have older windows but aren’t quite ready to replace them yet, you can add a thin material to the window to insulate it using a window insulation kit. These kits include a large piece of film that then holds tight to your window once you apply heat to it using a hair dryer. The kits are inexpensive, but you’ll need to redo them annually and be comfortable with the fact that the kit renders your window inoperable.
Users state that the film makes the room more comfortable and reduces heat gain and loss. This temporary solution can help you get one more season out of your windows or make your home more comfortable while your windows are on order.
When condensation gets in the way of you enjoying your home’s windows, work with the window replacement experts in Washington. 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing offers a free estimate to evaluate your current windows, learn about your replacement budget and suggest the highest quality, energy-efficient windows available on the market.
Schedule your free estimate now to enjoy your home this winter, free of condensation and fog.
Further reading:
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