What Creates Condensation on Windows?
This summer, the only condensation should be on the outside of an icy cold beverage, not in your house, and there’s certainly no room for it on your windows. The effects of condensation on windows can be as minor as reduced visibility and natural light, or as major as structural rot from water damage. Prevent all effects, minor or major, by educating yourself about window condensation on this week’s blog.
Causes of Condensation on Windows
Generally speaking, humidity is the main cause of condensation on windows. As outdoor temperatures drop (as they do significantly on spring and early summer nights), window panes also cool down. When moist air contacts cool glass, water droplets start to form. Ta-da! Condensation!
During Maryland summers, humidity isn’t hard to come by, so now is a great time to start thinking about regulating the humidity in your home while it runs amok outside. Here’s a list of a few potential sources of household humidity:
- Living and Breathing: A family of four creates 1-1.5 gallons of moisture each day, mostly just by breathing.
- Drying: No matter what it is that’s drying — laundry, paint, drywall, what have you — that moisture has to go somewhere when it evaporates. It’s just hanging out in the air until it finds somewhere to land.
- Hot Water: You can really find yourself in hot water over hot water. Steam is water vapor, so the steamier your shower or your indoor hot tub, the more moisture you’re contributing to your home. The same logic applies to opening a freshly-finished dishwasher.
- Houseplants: Houseplants give off small amounts of moisture through their respiration process. The more plants you have, the more this effect is amplified.
- Excessive Use of a Humidifier: Duh.
Regulating Household Humidity
The easiest way to prevent condensation on windows is to regulate the humidity levels in your home. Conveniently, we also have some tips for that! Remember that warm air holds more moisture than cold air, so start by trying to keep your house a little cooler. Cranking the AC will also help improve air flow throughout your home for ventilation. You can also add ventilation fans in high-humidity areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. Put the humidifier into winter hibernation and try a dehumidifier instead. You may also want to consider an in-house air exchange system if this is a problem you have often.
Remember, condensation on windows can lead to wooden frames swelling, cracking, and becoming inoperable. Avoid the cost of repeatedly buying new windows by controlling the humidity in your home. Actually…wait…we want you to buy windows…. Ignore everything we just said!
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