Window Condensation: What Causes It and How to Stop It

If you’ve lived in Alaska for a while, you already know that, once the temperatures drop low enough, window condensation sets in. Condensation occurs when the warm, moist air in your home comes into contact with the cold surface of your window. The water in the air converts back into its liquid form and appears as droplets or a haze on your window.

Window condensation is a very real problem, not only because it blocks your view, but because it can also cause dangerous mold spores to grow and the moisture can damage your window frame. Investing in window replacement in Alaska may be the only way to permanently fix the problem of window condensation, but here are a few other tips you can try first:

• Open your windows: If it’s not too cold outside, briefly opening your windows can let some of the humid air out of your home and let some of the dryer winter air in to replace it, which should help clear up the condensation.
• Turn up the heat: The closer in temperature the surface of your window is to the temperature of the air in the room, the less likely it is that condensation will occur. Try turning up your heat a few degrees and it may bring the surface of your window up just enough to keep condensation from happening.
• Use your bathroom and kitchen fans: Bathrooms and kitchens tend to generate the most humid air. Hot showers, cooking and other activities are actually creating humidity. You should leave your kitchen fans and bathroom vents on for about 20 minutes after you’re done showering or cooking to help remove some of the moisture from the air.
• Cut back on humidifier use: The air can get very dry in the winter. Many of us use a humidifier to help keep the air in our homes more comfortable. However, overuse of a humidifier could be contributing to your window condensation. Try using your humidifier less and see if your windows clear up.
• Use a dehumidifier: If your home is well sealed, too much moisture may actually be a problem. Consider using a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air and condenses it back into water in a reservoir, keeping it out of the air and off your windows.
• Replace the windows or window frames: If none of the above tips seem to help, it may be time to consider investing in some window replacement in Alaska. Older homes often have poorly insulated windows that may actually trap condensation between the panes of glass. Older windows may be allowing cold air to leak through, as well. If this is the case, replacing the windows may help reduce your energy costs, in addition to solving your condensation problems.

Don’t let window condensation bring your spirits down this winter. Following these few simple tips may help you keep your glass clear. But if nothing seems to do the trick, the team at Replacement Glass is always willing to help you do an assessment and see if new windows are in order. Call us today to learn more!

Categorised in: Window Replacement