Window Condensation: What is It and How to Deal with It

It is frustrating when you try to look out your windows and cannot due to the condensation that has accumulated on them. Initially, you might think you will need to look into window replacement, but that might not necessarily be true. There are things that you can do to help reduce the amount of condensation that collects on your windows. But, before we do that it is important to understand what causes the condensation in the first place. 

What is Condensation? 

Simply put, condensation occurs when water droplets collect on a cold surface (i.e., your window) because there is humid air that comes into contact with it. Condensation often occurs on windows because the surface of windows is colder than your walls, which are filled with insulation. 

Now that you know what condensation is, you can work to mitigate it from happening. Are you noticing the condensation on the inside of your window? The outside? Or is it occurring between the two panes of glass? Regardless of where it is occurring, here are a few tips to help prevent it from happening. 

Condensation on the Inside of the Windows

When humid air within your home comes into contact with the cold glass of your windows, condensation occurs. This is especially common in the cold winter months, as the temperature outside your home, is cold and dry compared to the warm and humid air inside your home. This is true even if you aren’t using a humidifier, as daily activities, such as cooking, bathing and even breathing all contribute to the amount of humidity found within your home. 

Window replacements to replace old, drafty windows, new energy-efficient doors, or installing a new roof or siding can all contribute to the condensation on the insides of your windows. On their own, each of these elements, is a good thing, helping to make your home more energy-efficient, but more often than not, they create too tight of a seal, eliminating the ability for excess humidity to escape. With nowhere for the humidity to go, condensation on the insides of your windows becomes more frequent, which can lead to more serious problems if ignored. 

Ways to Reduce Winter Condensation in Your Home 

As the temperature drops outside, we all begin to turn up the thermostat within our homes. As a result, the humidity found within our homes begins to increase. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the amount of humidity found within the walls of your home, thereby reducing the amount of condensation on your windows. 

• • Use a Dehumidifier: If you have too much humidity in your home, one of the easiest solutions is to use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is an electric device that is used to help extract water out of the air. While many people typically use dehumidifiers to help eliminate musty odors and prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria. Dehumidifiers can also be used to reduce the amount of condensation on windows. 

• Run Kitchen and Bathroom Fans: Simple household chores such as cooking and showering create moisture that then goes into the air. While it is impossible to eliminate the moisture altogether, you can do simple things to help minimize the amount that lingers in the air. For instance, when cooking you can keep the amount of humidity to a minimum by covering pots and pans. Additionally, run your kitchen or bathroom fan each time you cook or take a shower, to help circulate the humid air out of your home. It is recommended that you run your fan roughly 20 minutes after you cook or shower. 
• Leave Interior Doors Open: When you leave interior doors open, you are better able to circulate the air around your home. This will help to prevent humid air from accumulating in one spot. Even in the winter months, turn on your ceiling fans to help move air around. If it's not too cold outside, open your windows to allow for some of the air that might be trapped inside your home to escape. 

Condensation Between the Panes

Unlike when you get condensation on the inside of your window when you experience condensation between the panes of glass, it's not a humidity problem, it's a failed unit problem. A seal failure is the most common reason why windows get condensation between the panes of glass. If you notice that you are getting condensation between the panes, it is time to consider window replacement, to remedy the problem. 

Contact Gordon’s Glass today if you are experiencing condensation between the panes to schedule your free, in-home estimate today! Our expert technicians can talk to you about your window replacement options, to find the right one that will fit your need and your budget. Give us a call today!