AD | Featured
Do you notice moisture on your windows? Do you also see signs of mould and mildew growth around your windows? Condensation could be harmful to your windows, and that’s why we’ve found many valuable materials from Ecoline Windows, Canadian door and window experts, about the most popular and working methods to prevent it. Want to learn everything in detail? Keep reading!
What is Window Condensation About?
Condensation is a phenomenon that usually occurs when an object is cooler than the air surrounding it. The water molecules in the air cool off and form water droplets on that cool surface when this happens. So condensation basically forms on your windows when it is cooler than the air in its surrounding environment.
Is Condensation on Windows Bad?
Condensation could emerge on the exterior or interior of your windows. When it is about the exterior, it is a good thing, while on the interior, not so much.
- Exterior window condensation confirms that your windows are effective against outside heat. That is, they do not let the heat from the surrounding environment permeate your home. This contributes to the greater energy efficiency of your home’s HVAC systems.
- Condensation formation on your windows’ interior, on the other hand, is often a result of poor ventilation within your home. It is an indicator that the humidity levels in your home have risen above the norm. If left unattended, mould and mildew begin to form on your windows causing significant discomfort for family members with allergies. Even its sight is unpleasant, and it could cause structural defects in the long run.
It could also be that there is air leakage around your windows. If there is air leakage, especially during the fall and winter seasons, the moist air will cause condensation on the interior of your windows.
What’s more, if there is condensation between the panes of your double or triple-pane windows, then you have come across a serious problem. In this case, you can chuck up condensation formation to poor window insulation.
The Best Ways to Prevent Condensation on Your Windows
How can you stop the formation of condensation on the interior of your home’s window? Here are three things to do that’ll help solve the problem once and for all.
Ventilation
Ensuring that your home is properly ventilated will help reduce humidity within your space. This, in turn, will ensure that your home will not be a breeding ground for bacteria, other harmful microorganisms, mould, and mildew.
You can use specific devices to dehumidify your house, especially during cooler seasons when you can’t leave your windows open for proper airflow. They include:
- Conditioning ERVs;
- House Dehumidifiers; and
- Ventilating dehumidifiers.
These HVAC systems work by dehumidifying indoor air and pouring the dry air back into the house. They all improve air quality but tend to be rather expensive.
Window Insulation
Another method of preventing condensation formation on your windows is to insulate them properly. Insulation is achieved by increasing the R-value of your windows. The R-value indicated how resistant your windows are to thermal heat. There are several ways to insulate windows. They include:
- Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a foamy material made of plastic or rubber with some adhesive on it that is used to seal doors and windows to prevent air leakages. They will come in handy during colder seasons.
- Bubble wrap
You can also use bubble wrap to insulate your windows. It is, in fact, the most cost-effective option among all mentioned on this list. Simply apply bubble wrap to the glass surface of your window.
- Window treatments
Window treatments such as blackout curtains or cellular blinds also help insulate your windows, thus preventing condensation.
Heating
Keeping your home heated constantly during winter will also help prevent condensation from forming on your windows. Try to maintain low levels of heat all day long rather than turning heating systems on and off at intervals.
Should I Wipe Condensation From Windows?
It is best to wipe your windows often in such situations. Keeping them dry using a microfiber cloth will help prevent moisture from trickling between the glass panes if you have double or triple pane windows installed.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home well ventilated all year long will help prevent the formation of condensation on your windows. But if you face a more significant level of condensation and it constantly causes discomfort for your family, try to apply the ways to prevent condensation discussed in this post to improve your quality of living and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
