When warm summer weather meets the cool interior of an air-conditioned home, condensation—those tiny water droplets on your windows—can form. While it may sometimes signal larger issues, window condensation can also simply mean your windows are functioning as they should. Here’s what you need to know to decide if condensation is something to worry about and tips to help reduce it.
What Is Condensation?
Condensation occurs when humid air comes in contact with water droplets collected on a colder surface. Condensation will often form on windows since the surface is typically colder than your home due to your home’s insulation. Window condensation can form from the interior, exterior or even between window panes. Depending on where condensation is forming, it could be an indicator of problems with your windows.
What Are the Causes of Condensation on Windows?
Window condensation mainly occurs when there are drastic differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures. However, the exact cause of condensation on your windows, and solving for it, depends on where exactly it’s occurring on your windows. Here are the three ways condensation can form on your windows and what can be done about them. Regardless of the style of window, whether they be classic double-hung windows or a custom window section, you should look into where the condensation is gathering: the outside, inside or between the panes.
How Condensation Forms on Windows?
Here are three common ways condensation can develop on your windows, along with tips on how to manage each type.
Condensation on the Outside of Windows
Window ‘sweating’ is most common during the warmer months, when the interior side of the window is cooler than the hot exterior. In most cases, this isn’t a cause for concern and simply means your windows are doing their job. However, there are a few effective ways to reduce condensation.
How to Reduce Condensation on the Outside of Your Windows
1. Raise Your Home’s Temperature
Simply put, a warmer home will have warmer interior glass that is not as likely to form exterior condensation. Of course, you’ll need to decide if this is worth it for your comfort in the long term.
2. Trim Plants and Shrubs Outside Windows
Doing this can help boost the amount of air circulating around your windows, as well as the amount of sunlight that can reach and evaporate water droplets.
Condensation on the Inside of Windows
Moisture on the inside of windows is most common in the winter/colder months, when you have hotter interior window sides and cooler exterior ones. While it’s likely harmless, it can also be a sign of poor ventilation in your home. If it’s especially excessive, interior window condensation can potentially lead to water damage or even mold or mildew forming on carpet, insulation or even wood (for reasons like these, all Window World windows are made from high-quality vinyl).
How to Reduce Condensation on the Inside of Windows
Here are some ways to lessen interior window condensation.
1. Solve Home Ventilation Issues
Things like your laundry room and your fireplace can be hotbeds for creating excess humidity. If these are problem areas in your home already (e.g., exhibiting mildew or mold), fixing them will help cut down on window condensation.
2. Circulate Interior Air
To help minimize humidity and prevent condensation from accumulating, it’s important to promote good airflow within your home. You can achieve this by keeping interior doors open, which allows air to flow freely between rooms. Using ceiling fans can also enhance circulation by moving air around and creating a more consistent temperature throughout your living space. Additionally, if the weather permits, consider cracking open a window to let in fresh air. This combination of strategies can significantly reduce moisture levels indoors, making it less likely for condensation to form on your windows.
3. Use Dehumidifiers
Taking water out of the air can help with window condensation. Plus, you’ll get to experience all the health and comfort benefits that dehumidifiers offer too.
4. Run Exhaust Fans
Your kitchen and bathroom may already have these—they’re a great way to offset the moisture that goes into the air while you cook and shower.
Condensation Between Your Window Panes
If you have double- or triple-paned windows, condensation between your window panes (the sheets of glass in your window) is the one place where you really don’t want it. If there is condensation in windows, it points to larger issues with them (most likely faulty sealing that allowed moisture to get in). While repair may be possible, this may be your cue to consider high-performing window replacements.
All Window World’s Windows are made with Intercept™ spacers that enable them to expand and contract with temperature changes. So while conventional windows wear down their sealant during these times, our windows resist this movement and premature sealant failure.
Don’t Let Condensation Bring You Down
While condensation can be bothersome and obscure your view, as long as it’s only happening on the inside or outside of your windows, you may not have anything to worry about. Of course, there is much more to window quality than just condensation or a lack of it. For the best-constructed windows with premium cost-saving and energy-efficient technologies, just partner with Window World. Schedule your free in-home estimate today to get started.