While this is more common in the summer months because of increased humidity, it can still occur in the winter. Interior window condensation can be caused by excessive moisture in a home due to cooking, showering, and improper ventilation.
This type of condensation often occurs during the winter months because of the extreme difference between inside and outside temperatures. Condensation between your window panes can be caused by a broken seal due to heat from direct sun exposure that expanded and contracted the panes. In addition to a broken seal, condensation might occur due to a saturated desiccant within the window unit. If you have condensation between your double-pane windows, the best way to get rid of it is to hire a professional to either replace the window pane or the entire window.
To get all that moisture under control, try some of the following strategies. Plants release moisture into the air as they grow, so move them off your windowsill during the cold season. Invest in a hygrometer to keep close tabs on the humidity level.
Since the bathroom and kitchen are humidity hot spots, using an exhaust fan to send some of that excess moisture outside should help dry out indoor air. Most bathrooms have an exhaust fan, and the vent on your range hood can work the same magic in your kitchen. If it does and the hose and duct are leak-free , your next stop should be your fireplace: Inspect the wall around your hearth for beading water.
An unused, sealed fireplace limits air circulation, creating the perfect opportunity for mold and mildew to move in. If you notice a musty smell or discolored spots on your wall, your home may already be playing host to fungi.
Skip to content. Jump to: What is Window Condensation? Get Started with Homespire Condensation on Windows In most instances, you can see condensation inside closed environments on days when the outside air is cold. Is condensation a cause for alarm? It depends on where it accumulates. The Good: Condensation on the Outside of Windows For anyone who purchases a new set of windows, the appearance of outside condensation can be surprising. Get Started with Homespire Outside condensation means your windows are not allowing any heat transfer.
The Bad: Condensation on Inside of Windows If condensation forms on the inside of your windows pay close attention. This creates two huge problems. How to Reduce Window Condensation The presence of condensation on the inside of house windows can generally be eliminated with one or more of the following measures: Use moisture eliminators: To reduce the amount of moisture that travels through your interior air, place desiccant bags next to your windows and mirrors.
If placed in your drawers and closet, desiccants can also protect your clothing from moisture. Buy a dehumidifier: If condensation has been especially thick and common during winter months, consider investing in a dehumidifier.
Most units sell for about the same price as an air conditioner but can be just as essential to the comfort of your living quarters. Turn off your humidifier: If humidifiers are a feature of your living environment, consider deactivating them on cold days when your windows are condensation-prone. The mist released into the air can fog up your windows on cold days. Use your fans: Each time you cook or take hot baths or showers, turn on the corresponding fans for such activities.
The fan in your bathroom can help minimize condensation on the mirror and prevent the spread of steam, thus eliminating fog buildup on your windows.
Also keep the bathroom door closed whenever you shower. Circulate your rooms: Warm air travels upward within an enclosed space. Run your ceiling fans clockwise during the colder months to circulate the warmer air downward.
Crack the door: If the outside temperatures are not too cold, crack your front or back door for a few minutes to release steamy indoor air. Turn up the heat: If the air within your living areas is raised to spring temperatures, you could reduce the possibility of condensation on your inner panes, especially if the heat source is located near your windows. Move your plants: Any plant within your house is a source of air-bound vapor. If you normally place plants along your window ledges, relocate them to other areas within your living quarters during colder months.
Refrain from over-watering your plants, as doing so will intensify the vapor content of the air in your rooms. Store logs outside: Logs will usually have significant water content from the time they have spent outside before use. If you bring them inside weeks in advance of their ultimate use, the vapor content in your interior air could thicken as a result.
Switch to double-paned windows: Despite being a common feature in homes built within the last 15 years, double-paned windows are rare in older homes. If you have not done so, consider switching from single- to double-paned windows. If and when condensation between window panes does appear, the problem can usually be solved by replacing one of the glass panes.
Call Homespire About Your Windows Investing in new windows is a unique opportunity to improve the energy efficiency, security and curb appeal of your home, all at once.
Shermans Dale, PA. Boiling Springs, PA. Ephrata, PA. Lancaster, PA. Coatesville, PA. West Chester, PA. Williamstown, PA. Reading, PA. Harrisburg, PA. These devices are expensive a couple thousand dollars , but they will help reduce your energy costs by preventing energy loss. And because this device will increase the temperature of your house, it will help you fight condensation.
Install storm windows. Another way to prevent condensation is to stop the windows from getting cold, and you can do this by installing storm windows, or by replacing older single-pane windows with double or triple glazing. Part 3. Open doors and windows. The final piece of the puzzle when it comes to reducing humidity in your home is improving ventilation and circulation. The easiest and cheapest way to improve the ventilation in your home is to open doors and windows when the weather permits.
Open the drapes. Opening drapes and curtains will allow air to circulate against the windows, and this will dry out moisture on the windows and stop condensation from forming. Use fans to move air around. Stand-up, oscillating, and ceiling fans are all great for circulating the air in your home. In summer, ceiling fans should rotate in a counterclockwise direction.
In winter, switch the fans so they rotate in a clockwise direction, and circulate heat more efficiently. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy focused on educating consumers about energy efficiency Go to source.
Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow.
Michael Fox Window Repair Specialist. Michael Fox. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0. Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5. Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2. It's a function of the inside humidity and the temperature of the storm window glass. Not Helpful 12 Helpful Will putting plastic over the outside of windows help with condensation inside?
In some cases it could help. It depends on the outside temperature and inside humidity. Not Helpful 6 Helpful Check that the dryer is operating at normal temperature and that the vent is not blocked.
Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9. It depends on the outside temperature. Not Helpful 8 Helpful It is frustrating wiping the windows down every morning and when it's extremely cold outside this condensation freezes.
Get an HRV installed. Went from multiple rounds of wiping windows on very cold winter mornings to not a drop of moisture on any window three months into this winter. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2.
0コメント