When an older New Jersey or New York home still has its original windows, condensation is often just a normal everyday occurrence during the winter. However, many people are surprised to see those water droplets on their window glass and sills during warm-weather months. Given the right conditions, condensation can develop throughout the year. You may even see minor condensation build-up occasionally after installing high-quality replacement windows.
So, how can you tell if it is time to replace existing windows, or if you have another problem that needs fixing? The Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro experts put together information about how condensation forms to help you decide whether your problem originates with your existing windows, or if there are actions you can take to get rid of that foggy view.
During the winter, cold temperatures outside cool the air temperature, which causes the exterior window pane to get very cold. When you crank up the heater to warm the indoor air, the difference in exterior and interior surface temperature, plus a high moisture concentration in the air causes can cause the window to “sweat”. In the summer, you have the same conditions in reverse. As exterior temperatures rise and you turn the thermostat down to cool off your indoor spaces, a high indoor relative humidity level can cause moisture to form on the indoor sills and glass surfaces.
While condensation on a single pane window normally indicates your window unit isn’t working efficiently to keep heated and cooled air indoors, minor condensation on a modern, insulted replacement window usually means the low-E coating and superior design is actually controlling heat transfer effectively because your interior surface is warm or cool based on your comfort management – whether the heater or AC is running – and not the temperature outside. This is most extreme in cases where the indoor humidity level is unusually high. Most people who have recently installed replacement windows in their home and see a bit of early morning fog on the glass, will notice moisture dissipates soon after the sun gets a little higher in the sky.
When you see water pooling on the sills or between the glass panes, you need to closely examine your window unit for problems. Look for:
If you have recently installed replacement windows and notice condensation, contact your replacement window dealer to request a site inspection. If your home windows are single-pane windows, it may be time to upgrade to high-performance double-pane replacement windows and patio doors. Before you panic, check out these tips for reducing indoor humidity levels, to see if making a few simple changes could eliminate the problems.
Need help tackling an annoying condensation problem in your home? The Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro team is standing by with solutions. Learn more about our Energy Star labeled double pane, insulated replacement windows and patio doors today. Simply fill in the short form on this page or dial (866) 609-5033 to reach a personal consultant in your neighborhood.
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