Condensation can turn wood windows black and mess up window sills. It’s a widespread occurrence here in Colorado. The typical homeowner goes online to read numerous articles about how they must be doing something wrong with their humidity levels to experience so much condensation. In some cases, condensation forms freezes and melts all over the wood. They consider adding air exchangers with humidity control, throwing all plants out of the house, and telling the family to reduce showering, cooking, and breathing.
As Colorado Springs’s experienced home inspection team, we would like to inform you that all of those considerations are extreme. We have good news! With a few easy fixes, you can minimize or prevent condensation on windows.
Common Causes of Window Condensation
Although it might look like an issue, moisture on your windows doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Window condensation can signify that your windows are forming an airtight seal, reducing air leakage and keeping the moisture inside your home.
Most of the time, moisture on your windows is a matter of temperature and humidity. When the air is hotter and more humid on one side of the glass, moisture collects on the window panes.
In winter, condensation can form on the interior of your windows because it’s cold and dry outside but warm and humid inside. In the summer, it’s the opposite. You may see condensation from dew outside your windows in the morning — just as it forms on your lawn. If there’s moisture inside your home, it’s likely because it’s become too humid indoors. If you can’t easily remove window condensation by wiping the glass, the moisture is between the panes. And that’s a sign of a more significant issue.
How To Control and Remove Window Condensation
In homes, old or new, simple lifestyle changes that lower humidity and/or keep surface temperatures above dew point will be more practical and a less expensive long-term solution than installing whole-house ventilation systems. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to reduce condensation on your windows.
Turn Down the Humidifier
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the relative humidity in your home should always be below 60 percent. Ideally, you want it somewhere between 30 and 50 percent. It’s expected to be on the lower end of the range (or slightly below) during winter.
Bathroom and Kitchen Fans
Use your bathroom and kitchen fans every time you cook or shower. Showering and cooking release a lot of moisture into the air, and sometimes, this moisture cannot escape from your house easily. The exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom help remove this moisture from the air. You want to run the fans for 15 to 20 minutes after you shower or cook.
Use Storm Windows
If you have older windows in your home, using storm windows during winter can help reduce condensation on your interior windows. The space between the two windows allows the interior window to stay warmer. Storm windows can also help reduce your heating bills during the winter. While storm windows can sometimes have condensation, they reduce the condensation on the interior windows, which helps reduce frost buildup. Condensation on the storm windows often indicates a leak in your interior windows, and you will want to check and/or reapply your weather stripping.
Getting Rid of Window Condensation on the Outside
Because it’s seasonal and climate-related, condensation on the outside of windows is quite common. It doesn’t indicate problems with your windows or the humidity inside your home. You can wait for the sun to come out and dry up all the moisture.
If condensation on the glass is bothersome, try applying a water repellent to the exterior of your windows—you may already have some in your garage. Water repellent is commonly used on car windshields to help improve visibility in rainy weather. It can work in the same way to prevent condensation on house windows.
Colorado’s Total Home Inspection Team
Staying on top of major condensation year to year by sanding and re-varnishing the area where the glass meets the wood can help. Ultimately, it depends on your threshold for humidity levels and whether or not you can continue with the wood windows or get them replaced with something more moisture-friendly. Before buying or selling, or if you simply want a professional team, our expert home inspection team inspects every aspect of the home.