Windows do more than illuminate your living space. They add more beauty to your home and make your rooms more comfortable. Like sliding doors, they can create a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. You can use your windows to capture breathtaking landscaping or views. They also allow you to watch your kids as they play in the yard. However, these could be difficult to do if there’s something obstructing the glass, such as condensation.
Read on to learn what typically causes condensation in windows and what you can do about it.
When moisture in the air accumulates on a surface, condensation on windows occurs. Cool air tends to be dry while warm air often contains more humidity. Once the moisture from the warm air comes across the colder surface of patio doors or windows, moisture will build up on the surface, resulting in condensation.
Condensation can occur in both the interior and exterior surfaces of your windows. When it’s warmer inside and colder outside during winter, condensation will develop inside your home. On the other hand, when you’re running your air conditioner in summer, expect to see condensation on the outside surface of your windows.
If your windows are energy-efficient and in good shape, condensation should evaporate naturally. Condensation in windows is actually a sign of energy efficiency. Energy-saving windows and patio doors will reduce your utility costs and increase your home’s value. Weathertight windows contribute to a higher indoor relative humidity since conditioned air can’t escape and outdoor air can’t enter. As long as the fogging goes away, you shouldn’t be worried.
It helps to know when condensation is not normal in windows. Consider it a red flag if condensation forms in between panes of glass. Manufacturers usually fill the space between the glass with insulative gas, such as argon and krypton. This area is tightly sealed to keep the gas from escaping. When the seal fails, the gas fill will leak, and the window will lose its energy efficiency. It means the affected unit will no longer contribute to better comfort and reduced utility costs.
Here are some ways you can reduce condensation on your windows.
Keep Your Spaces Ventilated
Increased humidity is the leading cause of window glass condensation. The easiest way to reduce warm, moist air in your home is to keep your spaces ventilated. You can open your windows or sliding doors a couple of hours a day to allow fresh air indoors and stale air to escape. When it’s raining or cold outside, turn on your fans to help eliminate excess moisture.
When cooking, running the dishwasher or taking a shower, make sure your exhaust fan is running. Leave the fan on for around 15 minutes after your task. Your exhaust fan must be properly vented outdoors to eliminate warm, humid air from your living space.
Open Window Treatments
Windows concealed with blinds and curtains are more prone to condensation. It’s due to the limited amount of airflow that reaches the windows, confining the humid air between the glass and window treatment. You can easily avoid this issue by raising your blinds and tying your curtains back.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Air expands as it warms, permitting more moisture to get caught in molecules. It’s why moisture levels are higher if the air indoors is warmer. Set your thermostat at a slightly lower temperature to keep humidity at bay.
If condensation still persists, check if you can wipe the fog from your windows. You might need to replace them if the fogging occurs inside the glass. Inefficient windows can compromise your comfort and even increase your energy bills. You can rely on Renewal by Andersen® of Nashville for high-quality replacement doors and windows.
Run a Dehumidifier
Another thing that can help minimize the occurrence of condensation is running a dehumidifier. It’s an effective way to get rid of moisture in your home. Some modern dehumidifiers automatically adjust to the humidity levels of your living space while others have to be manually operated.
If you think there’s something wrong with your windows or have finally decided to replace your old ones, get in touch with Renewal by Andersen of Nashville. We install some of the most energy-efficient replacement doors and windows in the industry. Call us at (866) 609-5033, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve homeowners in Nashville, TN, and nearby communities.
