Condensation is a frequent concern with the windows in winter. This happens when fog and water droplets come from the water vapor that is present in the air. It can lead to a variety of issues within a building. Water condensation can allow mildew and mold to grow. It can also damage the area surrounding the window. Condensation can cause paint to peel, wood to rot, insulation to deteriorate, and floors to buckle.
The Cause of Condensation
Essentially, condensation occurs when warm and cool temperatures meet. Cold air is less capable of holding moisture than warm air. When the warm air inside of the house becomes cooled through contact with a cold window pane, it is unable to hold the same amount of water vapor. High humidity levels that are combined with low temperatures tend to create condensation.
There are multiple things that contribute to the level of humidity within a building. Even something as minimal as breathing adds to the humidity inside of a building. Perspiration, baths, showers, cooking, doing laundry, and anything that uses water will typically add to the total moisture level inside of the building.
Move Plants
Plants emit some level of moisture, especially when they are currently being watered. If you are experiencing significant amounts of condensation, you should consider moving the plants away from the window area. This will prevent the plants from adding to the condensation on the surface of the window.
Use Ceiling Fans
Using ceiling fans in your building can have benefits, even in the winter. During the winter, the warm air will float toward the ceiling. Having the ceiling fans rotate in a clockwise direction will help to push the warm air away from the ceiling, which will ensure that the entire area remains warmer. This can go a long way toward minimizing condensation.
Get a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers can be used to extract moisture that is present in the air. This can go a long way toward lowering the moisture levels of a building. The lower the moisture level is, the less likely it will be that condensation will accumulate on the surfaces of your windows. A dehumidifier can be an incredibly valuable tool when you try to reduce the condensation and level of moisture within your building.
Raise the Interior Temperature
Though it may seem counter-intuitive, because the warmth of the air interacting with the cold glass causes condensation, it can be beneficial to raise the interior temperature of the building. This is because raising the temperature inside of the building will raise the temperature of the windows. This will prevent the extreme cold interaction that is required to produce condensation.
Turn on Exhaust Fans
Turn on exhaust fans whenever you cook or take a warm shower. These fans can help to circulate the air inside of the building, which will reduce the total amount of moisture that is present in the air.
Turn Down Humidifier
Condensation on your windows is an indication that your home has a moisture level that is too high. A humidifier will add to the high-level of moisture in your building. This will simply compound on the already present problem. Turn down or, ideally off, the humidifier when you are having problems with condensation on your windows.
Ventilate the Home
A home needs to be ventilated effectively to provide the most comfortable environment inside of the building. The external air is often drier than the air inside of the building. Allowing the moisture-laden air to escape the home will help to lower the total humidity level inside of the building.
Install Weather Stripping
Weather stripping can help to keep a window warmer. Implementing the ideal weather stripping solutions can increase the insulating capabilities of the window and prevent condensation from accumulating on the surface of the window. In addition to this benefit, weather stripping can increase the energy efficiency of the home and reduce your overall energy expenses. Replacing weather stripping that has grown old can provide similar benefits to the environment within your building.
Storm Windows
Adding storm windows to your building can go a long way toward reducing the condensation inside of the home. It adds a layer of protection to the window panes beneath them. This keeps the window panes much warmer, which prevents the cold-warm interaction of the air in the home and the window pane. This can prevent condensation from accumulating over the window.
Insulate Windows
Insulating windows can help to keep the air inside of the home. It provides many of the same benefits of adding weather stripping to your windows. There are many ways to insulate windows, including window film and alternative options. You may also want to consider obtaining energy-efficient windows for your building. Increasing the energy-efficiency of the windows of your building is an upgrade that maintains a rather high return on investment, as it can immediately save on your energy costs. Insulated windows are less likely to allow condensation to build up on their surface. You should also take the steps to ensure that your windows are prepared for the winter.
Replace Windows
Windows that are old and require replacement are more likely to allow condensation to accumulate. You should especially consider replacing the windows if your home currently has single pane windows. Double-paned windows can help to reduce condensation.
Ultimately, condensation building up on your windows indicates that there is too much moisture present in your building. Implementing solutions for reducing the moisture level of your building can help to prevent condensation from accumulating, as well as protect the interior of your home from sustaining damage due to the incredibly high moisture levels. These steps can help to minimize your repair expenses down the road and ensure a more comfortable environment inside of your home. If you are experiencing significant amounts of condensation on your windows during the winter, you may want to consider replacing your windows with more energy efficient varieties. To learn more about replacing the windows in your home, or ensuring that they are insulated effectively, contact our experts at Peak Windows today!