Window condensation is one of those pesky problems we have all experienced in our homes. Condensation is completely normal and occurs when warm, moist air meets surfaces that are cooler than its dew point temperature. In simple terms, it is the transition of water vapor in the air into liquid, and it forms on your windows because they are usually the coldest surface on your house.
In summer, this is not so much of a problem as it is mostly a visual annoyance that will go away when the outdoor temperature rises in the morning. In winter, however, window condensation can be a bit more problematic and often needs addressing to stop larger problems from occurring as a result of window condensation.
Condensation on windows can cause a range of problems including:
- Warping of your window frame
- Mold on the window
- Mildew
- Wood rot around your window frame
The good news is there are several simple steps you can take to prevent condensation on your windows, especially as we head into the cooler months of the year. Here are our six top tips to get you started.
1. Open Your Blinds
Opening your blinds or drapes during the day will allow the sun to warm your window and reduce or completely eliminate condensation. You also have the added benefit of passive solar heat for your home, which basically means the sun will warm up your room and likely reduce the need for artificial heating.
2. Get Some Warm Air on Your Windows
By having a small heater or your heating vents under the window, you’ll be passively blowing warm air across your windows to dry up any condensation while also warming the interior of the window, which helps prevent condensation.
3. Use Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
If you have excess window condensation, you might need the help of a humidifier and dehumidifier. You can either turn off the humidifiers in your home and let the air dry out, or you can use a dehumidifier to dry out the air in your home due to environmental humidity.
4. Keep Your Home Well Vented
Ventilation is crucial in fighting window condensation. By opening all your air vents in your home, you’ll be helping disperse the moist air throughout the home and effectively preventing it from collecting on the windows.
5. Check Your Windows for Leaks
It is possible a leaky window is the cause of your window condensation, so it is important to check your window casing for cracks on the inside and outside of your home because this is how air infiltrates the home and causes condensation. You can caulk these areas to close cracks and gaps and prevent condensation caused by air infiltration.
6. Replace Your Windows
This step is not as easy as the other, but it might be necessary in some cases. If you have single-pane glass windows, replacing them with double or triple-pane glass windows will greatly reduce condensation because the glass on the inside of the window is a lot warmer than the layer on the outside. When looking at replacement windows, look for windows with low-E coatings as this will increase energy efficiency and reduce the amount of radiant heat transfer. This will prevent condensation while also making the room more comfortable.
Speak to the Window Experts Today
There are many ways to help control window condensation in your home, however, in some homes it cannot be prevented without replacing your windows. If you think your windows need replacing, talk to the team at WoW today. We can help turn your home into a beautiful, energy-efficient and condensation-free space.
