Common Causes Of Window Condensation, And What You Can Do About It

There are times when I simply adore condensation. As I sit in the sunshine and sip a cool drink on a warm spring day, for example. Seeing the droplets form on my glass is just fine indeed. However, there are times when condensation is less welcome. Like when I wake up in the morning and find it covering all my windows.

Small amounts of condensation are harmless enough and evaporate naturally when the window warms up. But excessive condensation can cause maintenance and structural issues to your home. Water vapor can freeze in your attic insulation or force itself out through your siding, blistering interior and exterior paint. Trapped moisture also causes wood rot and mold, leaving homeowners with costly repair and replacement bills.

Condensation 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.

Ironically, condensation is generally more prevalent in newer homes. The better, more air-tight design of modern houses makes it harder for moisture to escape, forcing it to condense on your windows. The moisture or water vapor you see as condensation on your window can be generated by any number of usual household activities, including cooking, showering, drying clothes or humidifiers.

When it comes to managing condensation, prevention is the best cure. Here are five helpful tips to help you manage condensation and avoid the related problems:

Adjust your humidifier

Humidifiers are a common household appliance that work to put moisture back in the air and increase humidity. When used correctly, they are a great way to combat cold-weather related ailments. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ideal indoor humidity levels can vary but the recommended levels for your living space will be less than 60 per cent in the summer and between 25 — 40 percent in the winter. If you use a humidifier in any part of your home, try turning it down. Releasing less moisture into the air will help reduce condensation.

Install replacement windows with double or triple glazing

Windows are an essential part of every home, providing light, warmth and ventilation. However, windows can become a vehicle for temperature transfer; the exchange of thermal energy between environments, which can result in condensation. Thankfully in today’s market, there is a vast array of window options that can help with everything from energy efficiency to reduced window condensation. Double and triple pane glass has become common in most homes and offers unprecedented energy savings, while high-tech finishes and coating prevent temperature transfer and the resulting condensation.

Use bathroom and kitchen fans

Showering and cooking releases a lot of excess moisture into the air that cannot easily escape your home. Running your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans for 15 - 20 minutes after you wash or cook will help dispel the excess moisture.

Open your windows

One of the most effective tactics is also the simplest: open your windows (weather permitting, of course). Rather than accumulating on your windows, the moisture will be released outside.

Increase the temperature of your home

Windows are usually the coldest surface in the house, making them a magnet for condensation. Raising the temperature of your windows even slightly can help reduce condensation. You can experiment with raising the temperature of your home, or installing blinds, curtains, or drapes that will keep the glass a few degrees warmer.