How To Prevent Window Condensation

Condensation is a problem caused by excessive moisture. Indoor window condensation typically occurs more so during the winter, due to the fact that warm objects create moisture, which then travels to cold windows. As the moisture interacts with a cold surface, condensation occurs. This process results in an accumulation of water droplets on the window.

While a little amount of condensation won’t harm anybody, uncontrollable condensation can result in damp and mold. This can be an expensive and dangerous issue, making it all the more important to prevent window condensation before it’s too late. Read on to discover some effective ways to prevent window condensation.

1. Control Your Humidifier

Humidifiers are great to have in the home, especially if the air quality is usually poor or dry. However, while a humidifier is great at putting moisture into the air, it can easily get overwhelmed and start doing its job a bit too well. When this happens, too much humidity is created, which directly leads to condensation. If this keeps happening, turn your humidifier down, and find a level that allows it to run without any negative results.

2. Buy A Dehumidifier

If humidity is the problem, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers effectively reduce moisture levels in your home, meaning you don’t have to worry about trying out any other trick in this guide. Although one of the most effective options, dehumidifiers can be expensive, but oh so worth it. If the price tag looks a bit too high on a standard dehumidifier, see if you prefer the cost of mini dehumidifiers, instead.

3. Open The Windows

As condensation near enough always appears on the windows, it’s wise to open them every now and then. Opening your windows will help the moist air to escape, rather than settle on the windows and create condensation. As condensation is generated by warm moisture, it’s especially recommended to open your windows after boiling the kettle or having a hot shower. Alternatively, in terms of showering, you can use a shower squeegee to eliminate water droplets.

4. Move Your Plants

Did you know that plant leaves release moisture into the air? If you have a large plant (or several plants!) sitting by a window, this will likely be the cause of extra condensation. Move your plants away from the window to prevent condensation from occurring.

5. Replace The Windows

Unfortunately, in some cases, excessive condensation is caused by poorly performing windows. If the windows in your home are old or seem to have trapped condensation in between the panes, it might be time to replace them. Although a costly job, replacing your windows with newer models will be sure to eliminate condensation for good! This is particularly effective with double glazed windows, as the extra pane will prevent your interior window from becoming too cold. As a result, the moisture will not create as much condensation as it meets the panes.

6. Monitor Air Quality

When it comes to preventing window air condensation, it’s important to establish exactly what’s causing it in the first place. If you try the tips in this guide and still have no luck with results, use a hygrometer to measure the air quality. Hygrometers tell you exactly how much vapor is in the air, making it easy to establish if you have oddly high levels. If the levels seem normal, you’ll know that the problem is likely being caused by the windows themselves rather than elements in the home.

As you can see, monitoring your air quality will save you a lot of time and effort, as the results help you to find the perfect solution in an instant. Check out our guide to the best air quality monitors.

7. Have Patience!

Although this isn’t something everyone will want to hear, sometimes, the trick to preventing window condensation is to have a little patience. It’s perfectly normal to experience a bit of condensation every now and then, especially during the winter months. However, as the sun starts to rise and warm up your home, the condensation will evaporate. If the condensation disappears whenever the sun has risen, we can confidently say that you have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if the condensation remains the same and starts to cause dampness, it’s time to use the tips in this guide to your advantage.

Sources:

1. Moisture Problems – About the House
2. Winter Window Condensation – Iowa State University
3. Do You Have Too Much Moisture in Your Home? – UMN Extension
4. Window Condensation Common Problem – North Dakota State University
5. How to Avoid and Correct Home Moisture Problems – OSU Extension Service