Condensation that appears on the inside of your windows does not typically mean there is anything wrong with the windows themselves. However, if you do not do anything to get rid of this condensation and prevent it from reappearing, the constant presence of moisture may cause your windows to rot or deteriorate. Usually, to fight interior window condensation effectively, you need to focus on making the air inside your Michigan home less humid. Here are five climate control tips to help you do just that.
1. Get rid of some house plants.
House plants are great for helping to clean the air, and they definitely add a natural ambiance to your home. However, house plants also give off moisture, so if you have more than a couple in your home, they can contribute to the accumulation of condensation on your windows. Try moving some of your plants outside for the summer. Keep the ones you do have a few feet back from the window so they don’t restrict airflow.
2. Turn the air conditioning down a few degrees.
If you recently turned the thermostat temperature up in an attempt to save money on energy, this could be contributing to your window condensation problems. Air conditioners do not just cool the air in your home. They also remove moisture from it. Turn the thermostat down a degree or two, and your Michigan home will stay less humid, resulting in less condensation.
3. Keep the doors and windows closed when it’s humid.
When there’s a rare, cool summer night, you may be tempted to open the windows and doors to let in some air. Before you do so, make sure you check the relative humidity. If it’s higher than 50%, do not open the doors or windows. Doing so will just let in more moisture, which may end up as condensation on your windows the next morning.
4. Test your exhaust fans.
Hopefully, you are remembering to use your bathroom exhaust fan after every shower and your kitchen exhaust fan while you’re cooking meals. These fans are designed not only to remove heat, but also moisture from your home’s air. Sometimes, poorly functioning exhaust fans are to blame for moisture on bathroom and kitchen windows. Test your exhaust fan by turning it on and holding a sheet of tissue paper in front of it. If the tissue paper gets sucked up against the fan, the fan is working adequately. If it does not get sucked up, the fan needs to be repaired or replaced.
5. Install a dehumidifier.
Even with air conditioning, it’s not unheard of for the air inside a home to remain too moist during the summer. A good solution is to install a dehumidifier. If you are noticing condensation on the windows throughout your home, a central dehumidifier is the best choice since it removes moisture throughout the home. If the problem is isolated to a certain room, you may want to put a portable dehumidifier in that room.
The climate control techniques above should go a long way towards reducing interior window condensation in your Michigan home. If you fear that ongoing condensation has ruined your windows, contact Renewal by Andersen. We offer free, in-home consultations and can recommend the replacement windows that are best for you.
Topics: Window Condensation, Michigan homes
