Condensation on windows can be annoying. In some instances, it can even cause property damage. It can lead to rotting wood on the moldings and plaster damage. The excess moisture in your home causes the condensation inside the windows can also damage other areas of your house. The worst case is it can encourage mold and mildew growth, which is harmful to you and your family’s health. In addition, it can trigger allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and other breathing issues.
Window condensation is akin to a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. The glass gets foggy and wet when the temperatures inside and outside the glass are vastly different. This issue can be quite annoying. After all, it blurs the views outside and creates an unpleasant look in your home. The good news is you can minimize condensation on windows with a few nifty tricks. Continue reading below so you can nip the problem in the bud.
Common Reasons Condensation Happens on Inside Windows
Although it looks bothersome and alarming, moisture on your windows does not automatically mean there is a severe problem. Condensation on windows is a tell-tale sign that your windows are doing their job because they form an airtight seal, so no air leaks outside and heat stays in. As a result, all the moisture is inside your home.
In general, window condensation boils down to humidity levels and temperature. When the air is hot and humid on one side of the glass, condensation inevitably happens on the windowpanes. Condensation happens inside your windows during chilly months because it is cold and dry outside but hot and moist inside. The opposite happens in the summertime, where condensation occurs in the exterior windows.
When condensation on windows happens inside your home, it is most likely because it is humid indoors. Since the temperature and humidity have reached a high level, windows are the first area where condensation gathers. It is like drops of water that pool on your cold glass with ice cubes during summer. It is not immediately indicative that there is a leak on your windows, but it means that there is a lot of moisture from saturated warm air.
You can easily remove condensation from inside or interior windows by wiping them down. However, when you cannot get rid of it because the moisture is in between the panes, then that is the sign of an even bigger problem because the window seal may be compromised. (You can read more about this issue in-depth in the later section of this article.)
Noteworthy, if you have a large family, you will also have a moister environment. As such, your windows will experience condensation even more. Remember, normal breathing and sweating add water into the air. Similarly, cooking and showering can add more moisture as well.
Helpful Hacks to Stop Interior Window Condensation
Now that you know the simple scientific explanation of condensation, you want to get rid of it. If it happens in the inside windows of your home, it can be frustrating because it is not fun to peer through hazy and moist windows to see what happens outside.
Fortunately, you can do several things to reduce condensation from inside your home. Interior condensation or the condensation happening inside your windows is a common problem. As such, you will also find a variety of remedies to stop this problem.
Lay Easy on the Humidifier
It is often for window condensation to happen in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. If you have a humidifier in your bedroom, you can try turning it down. Its primary job is to release moisture in the air and make it less dry. Excessive use can make the atmosphere unbalanced.
Hopefully, turning it down will reduce the condensation. This issue also happens in the bathroom and kitchen because of heat coming from the plumbing and cooking. Turn on fans to dissipate the condensation.
Purchase a Moisture Reducer
If you have a lot of excess moisture in specific areas of your home, it is a good idea to buy a product that eliminates the wetness. Think of it as the silica gel packets that come with new shoes. They suck moisture to prevent damage to the goods.
In the same token, you can buy large bags or buckets of this. Then, place them in your closets, kitchen, toilets, or anywhere else you feel they are needed. They will draw in extra moisture from the environment.
Install Air Circulating Fans
Make it a habit to turn on your bathroom fans and kitchen hood fans when you shower or cook. Both activities release a lot of moisture in one go. Because of the rapid and vast amount of moisture released, it cannot escape from your house.
Turning on exhaust fans will help remove that extra moisture in the air. Keep the fans running for around 15 minutes after you finish cooking or showering.
Keep Ceiling Fans Running
It is vital to keep the air in your home flowing to reduce the condensation in your interior windows. Thus, you can use your ceiling fans even when it is cold outside. Have the fan rotate clockwise to push warm air pooling on the ceiling back into the floor.
Open the Windows
If the weather outside is tolerable, you can try opening the windows a bit. This will help release excessive warm and moist air that is trapped inside your home. In addition, this will certainly alleviate the condensation problem.
Try Raising the Temperature of the Windows
You can raise the temperature of the windows by raising the thermostat in your house for a bit. When the temperature of the windows becomes a bit warmer, it will minimize the condensation. Remember, this annoying thing happens because the window surface is cold. You can also try raising the temperature of the windows by using:
- Drapes
- Blinds
- Curtains
- Shades
Utilize Weather Stripping
You can add weather stripping to your windows to reduce condensation. This will also prevent hot air from leaking out. As such, your home will become more energy-efficient and excellent in providing insulation.
Rely on Storm Windows
If you have older windows, you can try utilizing storm windows when it is cold outside. Installing storm windows will greatly reduce condensation. They will also add better insulation and help you reduce your heating bills. Notably, condensation can also build up eventually on storm windows, so you may need to apply weather stripping on this as well.
Relocate Plants and Wood
Plants release a lot of moisture into the atmosphere. If you have many potted plants by your windows, try relocating them to a different area to minimize window condensation.
Similarly, if you have firewood, you may want to move it outside. This wood was once a living plant, and it still contains moisture even if you use it as a kindle for fire. It would help to store firewood outside to help manage the humidity in your home.
Invest in a Dehumidifier Machine
If humidity is a big issue, you can buy a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture. A full-size dehumidifier is not that expensive. A good one will cost around $200. You can find even smaller ones for a cheaper price.
Noteworthy, this machine will automatically turn on and off based on the humidity levels in your home. When it peaks to a center point, your machine will turn on by itself to zap the extra moisture.
Buy an Air-to-Air Exchanger Unit
Another fancy contraption you can purchase is an air-to-air exchanger. This is an easy machine to operate, but it is a bit more expensive than a dehumidifier. However, it can greatly reduce moisture and condensation in your home.
Moreover, this machine also brings fresh air from outside so you can improve indoor air quality. Moreover, this takes away air pollutants along with moisture assuring you inhale clean air.
Install Window Insulation Kits
You can buy window installation kits from any hardware or home store. You can install these kits outside or inside. They help prevent condensation in your interior windows. When you put them outside, it can also help minimize your energy consumption. These kits can reduce both your heating and cooling bills, making your pocket a lot happier.
Take Note of Deeper Issues
If you have groundwater seeping through your home’s foundation, you will also have excess moisture. Hence, you must ensure that your home is equipped with gutters, downspouts, and flashing. These fixtures will help channel water away from your foundation.
Furthermore, if you have a dirt floor crawl space, it will also add moisture. As such, you must properly vent them. If there are no vents, you can cover the area with plastic to make a vapor barrier. If you are not sure, ask for a professional inspection to address the problem.
Assess the Age of the Home
Keep in mind that excessive moisture is not exclusive to older homes. In fact, new building materials like wood plaster and cement from a renovation or new construction contain a lot of excess moisture. Hence, when you turn on the heat for the first time, all the moisture in the materials will flow out into the atmosphere and eventually settle on your windows. You can expect this to disappear after spending the first cool season in your newly remodeled home or a new custom build.
Condensation Within or In Between Windowpanes
The first time you notice window haziness, your first instinct is to wipe it clean. The condensation could also be a build-up of cleaning products or even grease in the kitchen. However, when you clean the interior windows, and the condensation does not disappear, it means you have a problem within the windowpanes.
This is a terrible issue because it is impossible to clean up condensation that forms in between two glass windowpanes. On top of that, it will most likely not dissipate on its own because there is no airflow inside the glass panels.
Therefore, the moist environment will often lead to rapid mold and mildew growth that is not only unsightly but harmful for your family’s health. In this scenario, you have only two choices:
1. Replace the Panes
Sadly, when you have condensation in between the panes, you have no other choice but to call your window supplier and have the glass units replaced. The replacement also depends on several factors, namely:
- Type of glass
- Age of unit
- Manufacturer of the window
2. Replace the Whole Window
In some cases, you cannot replace the glass panels. Thus, you have no choice but to replace the whole window. This is an excellent choice if you have old ones anyway. Window technology has significantly improved over the years, so replacing it with a newer and more efficient energy start system can help minimize your utility bills.
If you are considering purchasing replacement windows, finding a reputable company is key to a great outcome. They can also help answer your questions regarding condensation, replacements, or new installations.
When Condensation of Windows Is Worrisome
Usually, when your windows sweat and condense, that is not a big deal! However, if you do not tackle indoor humidity, it can create a problem later. Firstly, excessive moisture can result in musty, foul smells. Secondly, moisture on your windows can eventually slide down into the frames. It can result in the following:
- Blistering
- Peeling paint
- Cracking
- Warping
- Water damage
Finally, always keep in mind that if you have moisture on your windows, you have it in other parts of your home. In time, the excess water can cause the following:
- Leave stains on ceiling and walls
- Damage the insulation
- Lead to mold and mildew growth
- Cause structural damage
For this reason, you need to reduce indoor humidity. You can use the condensation level in your interior windows as a hint that your home atmosphere is not balanced. Follow the tips above to minimize the problem.
If you have questions, give our team at North Show Window Inc. a call. You can also use our contact form here. We have been serving this industry for decades, so we can help you out with any window concerns. You can also peruse our virtual gallery to see the products that we offer. We would love to help you spruce up your home or office with quality windows, doors, and shades. Speak soon!
