All About Condensation: Causes and Quick Fixes

The cold weather and the furnace season are here and so is condensation. Below are numerous useful tips, tricks and valuable tidbits of information on how to minimize the condensation on your windows.

What is Condensation?

If we could only see the water vapor in our homes, we would have a better chance of controlling it. Even though we can not see water vapor, we can see its effects. Most commonly, condensation appears on the inside surface of your new windows, caused by excessive moisture in your house. Condensation often occurs during the winter when the warm air inside your home collides with cold air or cold surfaces such as your windows. The two most prominent reasons for the condensation on the interior glass panes is the lack of air circulation or too much humidity within your home.

What are common sources of humidity and how to control humidity ?

The most common humidity sources are: cooking, dishwashing, taking a shower or bath, doing laundry and or having numerous people occupying a room.

Although we need some humidity in our homes to feel comfortable, we also need to ensure that the humidity level is not too high.

Your new windows provide a great basis for where your humidity level should be; not enough to fog the glass but enough to feel comfortable.

Maintaining the right humidity level is important for your health. Excessive condensation on your windows can cause water accumulation at the bottom interior frames, resulting in mold growth on the studs, causing potential health concerns for you and your family.

How to Reduce Surface Condensation on your Windows:

1. If your furnace is equipped with a humidifier or you run a separate humidifier unit, turn it off until the amount of condensation is reduced. Make sure that the humidifier and the setting switch are really working.

2. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans longer than you normally would.

3. Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside.

4. Avoid hanging wet clothes inside to dry.

5.If you have a fireplace, open the damper.

6. The free circulation of air around windows is important. Leave drapes and blinds open as much as possible.

7. Leave the furnace fan running then set on automatic.

8. When possible leave the window open to allow air flow.

What if the condensation is on the exterior surface or in between the glass inserts?

Exterior condensation on your windows is a good thing because it means that your windows are operating as intended, preventing heat transfer (heat loss). It is also possible that the humidity level outside is higher than the interior of your home and hence the windows are foggy on the exterior. This usually happens in the early mornings and disappears during the day.

If you experience fogginess in between the glass inserts, your window seals are gone and your window is no longer energy efficient. You may want to consider replacing your window.

The Tricity Windows and Doors team is here to provide you with advice and consultation for all of your windows and doors needs.

Please contact us if you would like to get your free consultation and estimate.

Call us at 519-721-2924