How to Remove and Prevent Window Condensation?

Window condensation might be a real pain. Do you have problems with your windows fogging and sweating on the inside as the weather changes? If this describes you, know that you're not alone. Condensation is the name for this occurrence. It happens more often than you might imagine. 

Condensation on windows can be aggravating, and in rare situations, it can even cause damage to your home. Excess moisture in your home, which produces interior condensation, can harm your entire home, rot wood moulding and damage plaster.

Condensation Inside Window: What Are the Causes and How to Remove It?

Excessive moisture in the house causes condensation inside the window, which is most common in winter when warm air within the house condenses on the cold windows. 

As per EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the relative humidity should never exceed 60%. During all seasons you should aim for a percentage of 30 to 50 percent.

Here are helpful tips as for how to remove condensation on the inside of the window:

1. Turning Humidifier down. Because the humidifier on the lower setting releases less moisture into the air, condensation should be reduced.
2. Using Fans. When you cook or shower, turn on the fans in your bathroom and kitchen for about 15 minutes. 
3. Using Ceiling fans. Circulating air can also aid in the reduction of condensation on the inside window. So, even in the winter, turn on your ceiling fans. The fans should spin in a clockwise direction to force warm air from the ceiling down to the floor.
4. Opening windows. You can open your windows if it isn't too cold outside. This will allow some of the warm, damp air in the house to escape.
5. Raising the thermostat. You can boost the temperature of your house slightly to raise the warmth of your windows. 
6. Relocating your plants. Plants leak moisture into the air, moving them to a new location can help prevent condensation.
7. Dehumidifier. Investing in a dehumidifier is a simple approach to get rid of excess moisture in your home. 
8. Keeping windows out of coverings. When drapes or shades are drawn down, condensation is more prone to form. Draw your window coverings to keep the heat from accumulating on your window pane. 
9. No firewood inside. To help regulate humidity, store firewood outside if you have a fireplace.

Condensation on the Outside of the Window: What Are the Causes and How to Stop It?

Condensation forms on the outside of your windows when the temperature of the glass's outer surface dips below the dew point of the air. When outdoor humidity levels are higher, such as in spring, summer and fall, when cool nights follow warm days, this form of condensation in the window is more likely to occur. 

What are the window condensation solutions?

1. Patience. Condensation on the outside of windows is fairly prevalent because it is seasonal and climate-related. It's not a sign of a problem with your windows or the humidity level in your house. Simply wait for the sun to shine and evaporate all of the moisture.
2. Water repellent. If the condensation really bothers you, try using a water repellent on the outside of your windows – you might already have some in your garage. Water repellant is routinely applied to car windshields to aid visibility in rainy conditions. It can be used to prevent condensation on house windows in the same way. 

Condensation Between Window Panes and How to Fix It?

If you’ve tried to wipe your window out of condensation between window panes and it doesn’t work, you may have a greater problem at hand. 

Unfortunately, if there is water and condensation between the panes of your window, the seal may have failed. Seal failure can occur for a variety of reasons and one of them is:

• ranging from extreme weather to normal, wear and strain. 

You can't control the moisture that collects between the panes of your windows. Condensation between portions of insulated glass in double-pane or triple-pane windows indicates a failure of the glass seal.

Having a window with seal failure can reduce your home's overall energy efficiency. It is very important to address the problem as soon as possible.

Solutions:

• Trying to clean windows. 
• Replacing glass units.
• Replacing windows. If your windows are old and have additional issues it would be better to replace them.

Window Condensation Causing Mold

Mold, in any shape or quantity, is not to be taken lightly as it is harmful to our health. Due to condensation if there is even a speck of mold along with the windows or anywhere else in the house, it's time to act. Most common is mold on the window sill from condensation. 

Mold is often caused by:

1. Excessive humidity.
2. Windows leakage. 

Steps on how to remove mold:

1. Spray and disinfect the affected area.
2. Wipe mold off with a cloth or paper towel.
3. Apply bleach.
4. Dry the area with a fan or heater keeping all heating devices under control. 

You may learn more about mold on windows in Vinyl Light Windows & Doors blog following the link: https://vinyllight.ca/how-to-prevent-and-get-rid-of-black-mold-on-windows 

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Window Condensation

Here are the General Tips on how to prevent window condensation:

• Tip 1: Open Window Coverings. 

It's crucial to remember that vinyl windows with blinds and curtains are more prone to condensation. This is due to a reduction in airflow to the window's surface, trapping humid air between the window treatment and the glass. To avoid this, tie back your curtains and raise your shades.

• Tip 2: Air condensation Out and use Ceiling Fans. 

Now we know that the level of humidity in your home causes condensation. There is a simple way to get rid of it. The following will even keep preventing window condensation. Every day take a few minutes to ventilate your home. 

If it's snowing or raining outside and the weather won't allow you to open your windows, use Fans to create a similar effect inside your home.

• Tip 3: Set the Thermostat lower.
• Tip 4: Set the Humidifier lower.
• Tip 5: Get a Dehumidifier and you won’t regret it!