To understand what window condensation means and how to minimize it, you must first take a closer look at where the condensation is on your windows: inside them, outside them, or between their panes.
Tiny water droplets that show up on your windows called condensation collect on cold surfaces because of the humid air in contact with them, and they appear on your windows because they are colder than your insulated walls.
What is the source of your condensation? The short answer is—it depends. Read on to discover how to minimize or stop window condensation.
What Causes Window Condensation?
To understand what causes window condensation, look first at where your condensation is located.
Inside your windows
During cold Indianapolis winters, condensation shows up when warm, humid air contacts the cool glass. The humidity in your home is the culprit, creating the condensation. When your home is tightly sealed, more humidity is retained, producing more condensation. And when condensation occurs over an extended period of time, mold and mildew can result.
Should I be concerned? Only if you leave this situation unaddressed. It should be handled promptly.
Outside your windows
During Indianapolis summers, you may spot condensation outside your windows. When your windowpanes are cooler than the outside air, condensation forms. High humidity outside, minimal wind, and clear nights can all contribute to condensation showing up (usually just after sunrise) on the outside of your windows. When the sun’s rays warm up your panes, condensation evaporates.
Should I be concerned? No, this is normal and means your home is efficient.
Between your windowpanes
When condensation shows up between your panes, it makes them tough to see out. It means your window seal is probably leaking, allowing water to get between the glass. This scenario also means that the argon or krypton gas that insulates your double or triple-paned windows has leaked out.
Should I be concerned? Yes. This is a sign that it’s time for window replacement.
How to Get Rid of Window Condensation
1. Lower your home’s humidity level.
When you notice condensation inside your windows, take it as a cue that you need to find a way to lower the humidity in your home to prevent further problems.
Excess indoor humidity creates damp spots on ceilings, water, and ice inside your windows. It can even penetrate walls, deteriorate wood framing and lower the effectiveness of your insulation. The remedies?
- Try a portable dehumidifier or a whole-house dehumidifier. They pull water from the air, prevent mold, and lower condensation inside your windows.
- Circulate the air inside your home using your ceiling fans to push warm air down.
- Use your exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom.
- Understand that window drapes and coverings restrict the flow of warm room air over windowpanes, so condensation is more likely to appear when drapes and window shades are closed.
- Ventilate your home by opening a window in each room for a few minutes. This allows indoor air to escape and fresh dry air to enter. This is particularly true in the bathroom after you take a shower.
2. Take simple steps to warm up your windowpanes a bit
When you see condensation outside your windows, there are a few things you can do to decrease it.
- Trim the bushes near your windows, so the sun isn’t blocked from warming them up.
- Increase your home’s indoor air temperatures to avoid condensation.
3. If condensation occurs between your panes—it’s time to replace your windows.
Your insulated glass isn’t sealed when condensation appears between double-pane or triple-pane windows. The solution?
- Have your insulated glass replaced and choose low-E glass coating to decrease the possibility of condensation and fogging.
- Replace your window unit. If you have several windows with condensation between the glass, it’s time for replacements.
You Deserve Attractive New Windows
Windows bring in natural light and increase your home’s energy efficiency while adding beauty to your interior and exterior. They improve your home’s protection and decrease noise intrusion, so your house stays peaceful. Windows allow you to enjoy great outdoor views from the comfort of your home. Even on the coldest or hottest day of the year, you will feel refreshed as you take in the sights the outdoors provide.
At Craftsman Exterior Remodeling, we’re committed to caring, precise, thoughtful window installations for your Indianapolis area home.
Take a minute to learn more about our window services.
