Dealing With Window Condensation

Window condensation can lead to mold and rot

‘Tis the season – the time of year when your home windows start getting sweaty. During these winter months, condensation on window interiors can be an annoying issue for many homeowners in Wisconsin. Not only will it fog up your windows, but it can lead to much bigger problems like mold, mildew, and rotting window frames. Getting rid of moisture problems before they do serious damage can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Before we look at how to fix the issue, it helps to understand what causes window condensation in the first place. Window condensation happens when the warm air in your home comes in contact with a cold window. The window cools down the warm air, and because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air can, water vapor in the air gets pushed out, and condensation forms on the window.

So what can you do to prevent condensation build-up on your windows? I’ve got a few tips:

1) Wipe down your windows. Although it won’t directly stop moisture from getting on your windows, wiping down wet windows will keep water from sitting, which will eventually lead to rot and mold.

2) Use a dehumidifier. So many things in your home can produce moisture to condensate on your windows. Taking a shower, drying a load of laundry, cooking dinner, and yes – even breathing are all major sources of moisture in your home. Running a dehumidifier can greatly reduce the excess humidity in a room, and will help keep water of your windows.

3) Ventilate better. In addition to a dehumidifier, increasing the ventilation in your home can help your windows from getting fogged. Make sure to run fans regularly, and especially while cooking and showering. Keeping bathroom doors closed while bathing will help keep moisture from spreading to the rest of the house, and the bathroom window can be opened if needed.

4) Consider replacing your windows. If you home has single-pane windows, fighting condensation will be a never-ending battle. The piece of glass being chilled by ice-cold Wisconsin weather is the same piece of glass meeting the warm interior of your home, and because of this, moisture will build up despite all of your efforts. Double & triple-paned windows feature insulating gas between each pane. This insulation helps keep your interior pane from getting cold, and will prevent condensation from forming, and you won’t have to worry about moldy on your windows again. The added energy efficiency is great for those winter heating bills too!

So if you’re having trouble with excessive condensation, don’t worry – there are things you can do to stop it! And if you find yourself still battling wet windows, AHT is here. Contact us to see how replacement windows from AHT can keep your home condensation free and energy efficient.