Our Renewal by Andersen of Long Island team hears lots of questions about the diverse advantages of each window style or type. Which replacement window has the highest energy efficiency rating? Which style is the best for capturing a pleasant breeze? Which type lasts longest? Recently, a customer asked which replacement window style he should buy if he wanted to make sure he NEVER had to see condensation on the panes again when he pulled back the drapes.
Based on that conversation, we decided this would be a great time to talk about what condensation is and ways you can control it.
Ice and condensation may form anytime a window surface temperature drops below the dew point for air close to the window. Even high-performance, high-quality replacement windows may actually develop minor condensation once in a while, although your windows aren’t really to blame.
Temperature variances and moisture levels are the real culprits when this happens. Don’t panic. Just follow these tips to correct indoor relative humidity, and you’ll banish condensation problems irrespective of which replacement window style you choose.
Lowering the indoor humidity level to 40% or less should eliminate all major condensation problems. But before you start a whole-house inspection, consider these two realities.
#1. Heavy drapes block heated air from reaching window surfaces, including the glass. If you pull back the drapes and find heavy condensation, or puddles on the sill or floor, consider changing window treatments. Remember, you won’t have any cold leaks once you install new high quality replacement windows, so a thick window blanket is no longer required to control indoor comfort levels.
#2. People who significantly lower the thermostat each night often have a higher indoor humidity level. Most report that condensation self-corrects as the sun rises and the panes naturally warm up.
There are simple steps you can take to change indoor humidity levels, such as installing vent fans in high moisture areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Other fixes are a bit more complicated and expensive. For example, an aging furnace can create moisture problems. Replacing an old furnace with a modern, energy efficient model could save you money on heating costs and reduce indoor relative humidity levels.
Here are a few other tricks you might try.
While casement windows have the highest energy efficiency ratings of any operable replacement window and sliders are known for their expansive viewing area, there really isn’t one replacement window style that controls condensation better than other styles. The truth is, even a well-built, high-performance replacement window may develop occasional minor condensation problems, although rare, if your indoor humidity is extremely high.
If you need help banishing a major condensation problem throughout your home, we want to help. Just fill in the short form on this page or call (866) 609-5033 to speak to a professional replacement window expert in your area today.
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