Top 9 Ways to Eliminate Window Condensation
/You see the condensation build up on your brand new windows and you PANIC. It’s normal. When you invest in something and you feel it isn’t right you panic. But guess what? Water on your windows actually has nothing to do with the windows. Keep reading to find out why!
What is Indoor Window Condensation? You see condensation on your windows as the result of too much humidity in your home combined with cold temperatures. The glass on your window provides a cold surface where the humidity in your home can visible condense and even freeze.
In This Guide You Will Learn
: • What Causes Indoor Window Condensation
• Why Indoor Window Condensation is a problem
• Tips and Tricks for Reducing Indoor Window Condensation
Does condensation mean my windows are bad?
Not necessarily. Both bad windows and good windows can experience indoor condensation. Why? Because the condensation builds up isn’t because of the window. The glass on your window is just much cooler than your walls, so any excess moisture in the home rushes to the coldest spot; therefore, settling on the windows. Since most windows have metal spacer systems in them, and metal is a conductor of temperature, the edges of the glass are very popular spots for moisture and frost build up Moisture on your window is the first indication that you have too much humidity in your home.
Where is the moisture coming from? It’s coming from you. Glass doesn’t create moisture, people do. Everyday activities like showering, cooking, cleaning, even breathing in your home create humidity. The more people in your home, the more humid the air can come. Also, Indoor humidifiers and air exchangers add more humidity to your home and sometimes it can just be too much. Reducing Indoor Window Condensation
Why didn’t I have this problem with my old windows?
If you have recently upgraded to new, energy efficient windows you are probably discouraged about the condensation you are seeing! Don’t be! Your new windows should meet the enhanced energy star ratings for our MN climate. This means they are designed to keep you more comfortable. Their installation should ensure that they are air tight and with that, air and moisture that maybe is used to rushing outside is now getting trapped indoors.
Why should I be worried?
Excess Indoor humidity in your home over time can be a problem. It can cause moisture spots on walls and ceilings, mold in attic insulation, peeling paint, buckling hardwood floors, mildew and mold on wood. YIKES! Can you imagine?
If I really have too my humidity in my home, then why do I only see it some of the time?
There are certain external forces that make condensation on windows seem to spike. New construction / remodeling is one of them because materials like wood, plaster, and cement produce a great deal of moisture. The beginning of a heating season is another, along with quick drops in temperature. Any humidity and moisture your home absorbed during the summer needs a few weeks of the furnace running to dry out. Combining a quick drop in temperature with that extra moisture can often create more condensation on your windows.
Top 5 causes of indoor window condensation
Humidifiers
Showering
Cooking
Mopping, Cleaning, Doing Laundry
Recent Construction or Remodeling
Steve the Window Guy says... “Try these tips to reduce condensation on your windows”
1. If you have a humidifier or a humidifier function on your furnace, turn it off.
2. Run an exhaust fan after your shower and while cooking to vent moisture outside. Run it longer, and more often.
3. Make sure your attic is vented properly, and that vents are open and unobstructed
4. Open blinds or curtains to allow warmer air to circulate over the glass surface
5. Run a dehumidifier in your basement. *Some sources suggest opening windows briefly every day to allow humidity to escape and drier air to come in to the home. Steve the Window Guy thinks this sounds awful, and cold.
What if that doesn’t work?
If you’ve tried everything, and nothing seems to be helping, give us a call. Steve can come in to our home, test the indoor humidity, and inspect your ventilation in your attic. You can also contact a heating/cooling professional to review and inspect the air exchange in your home, or buy a humidistat so you can easily monitor humidity in your home. NOTE: Applying a window film to your windows will eliminate the visible appearance of condensation on your windows, however it will not change the humidity level in your home. To eliminate problems caused by humidity, your best course of action is to lower the humidity.
Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catupulted to the 10th largest* remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughtout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.
We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.
*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2019.
