Window condensation is an unwanted sight. Though harmless, it negatively impacts window appearance. With a basic understanding of both causes and solutions, you can take simple steps to significantly reduce condensation on windows and improve indoor comfort.
Top Causes
Several factors contribute to window condensation. The top causes include:
- Humidity levels that are too high within the home. They provide more moisture that can condense.
- Temperature differences between indoor and outdoor air. Large differences cause the window to feel colder to indoor air.
- Poor ventilation allows moisture levels to increase. Trapped moisture has more opportunity to condense.
- Showering, cooking, and laundry produce moisture that needs ventilation.
How to Solve Window Condensation
Several practical steps help reduce excess indoor moisture and window condensation. Here are some recommendations:
- Check Window Seals Thoroughly
Look for cracks or gaps between glass panes. Use a flashlight to examine all sides. Replace broken seals with new gasket material.
- Vent Moisture from Drying Laundry
Put wet clothes outside to dry or use a clothes dryer with a dedicated vent hose to exhaust water vapour outdoors. Hanging clothes indoors adds significant moisture to the air.
- Move Houseplants Strategically
Keep large potted plants or those requiring frequent watering away from windows. This will help maintain ventilation and prevent localized high humidity levels near glass surfaces.
- Install a Portable Dehumidifier
Choose a model sized to match the square footage that can extract moisture from indoor air down to 50% relative humidity or less as needed. Empty the collection bucket regularly.
- Run Exhaust Fans During and After Activities
Be sure to vent steam and vapour from showers, cooking, dishwashing, etc. to outside by running fans for 15-30 minutes after an activity ends.
- Leave Doors Open Between Spaces
This allows indoor air to flow and circulate more easily throughout living areas instead of stagnating. It distributes heat and prevents pockets of humidity.
- Adjust Your Thermostat Setting
Raise the temperature setting on the air conditioner by 1-2°C. It will help reduce condensation by causing it to work harder to dehumidify the air during the cooling cycle.
- Trim Shrubbery Near Windows or Doors
Trim any shrubs, bushes, or overgrown foliage restricting airflow and ventilation around exterior windows, doors, and vents. This prevents pockets of humid air from collecting against the house.
- Install Quality Double Glazing
Proper installation of quality double glazing is important for the best results to avoid condensation problems.
Following these tips should significantly reduce window condensation. While some condensation may occur during periods of high indoor humidity, these practices will lessen its appearance. Be sure not to overlook broken seals, as this worsens the issue. For windows where condensation persists despite efforts, it indicates seal failure requiring replacement. Replacing problematic windows provides the best long-term solution.
To discuss any of these issues please feel free to contact us.
