How to prevent window condensation in your home

Window condensation is a common problem. It can be caused by a number of factors, including low indoor humidity levels and high outdoor humidity levels. You can prevent window condensation with these simple tips:

Open the windows.

If you have a window that is prone to condensation, open it—but only during the day and when there is no rain or snow in the forecast. If you have an entire wall of windows that are prone to condensation, try this with all of them at once so they can all benefit from fresh air circulation. The same goes for doors: if possible, open them when it’s dry outside and windy (a nice breeze will help clear out any moisture). This will help alleviate any buildup of moisture between indoor spaces and prevent your home from feeling stuffy and damp as well as helping to keep outdoor air circulating throughout your house instead of getting trapped indoors due to closed windows or doors.

Lower the humidity in your home.

There are a few ways to lower the humidity in your home:

• Use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers suck up water vapor from the air, so they can help reduce the amount of condensation on your windows. Some humidifiers have automatic settings that allow them to work with most dehumidifiers, and if you have central air conditioning, there may be an option for setting it up as well.
• Use fans to circulate air throughout your home. Fans circulating warm air will draw out any moisture that has built up inside the house, which will prevent window condensation from forming on those surfaces too quickly. If possible, place these fans near doors or windows so they can help move the warm air throughout each room.
• Open windows when it’s cold outside and close them when it’s hot outside—but not all at once! Opening your windows during colder temperatures lets warm air in through cracks around frames or seals where doors meet walls (called “air leaks”), while closing them during warmer temperatures helps keep cold drafts out of rooms by slowing down how fast heat escapes through those same cracks/seals (and helps maintain some semblance of comfort).

Use a moisture-reducing fluid.

Moisture can be reduced by applying a thin layer of a water repellent to the glass surface with a sponge or cloth. This will help prevent condensation from forming on the inside of your windows and mirrors. Moisture-repellent treatments for windows are available at home improvement stores and hardware stores, as well as online retailers such as Amazon. Use a moisture-reducing material. Some people recommend placing a small bowl of desiccant in the room to reduce humidity and prevent condensation on windows and mirrors. Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture from the air; they can be found at hardware stores, home improvement stores, or online retailers such as Amazon.

Replace your window caulking.

Whether or not you have condensation on your windows, replacing the old caulking with new will ensure that your windows are properly sealed and won’t allow moisture to enter into the room. For maximum efficiency and durability, use silicone caulk as it’s extremely flexible, waterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures. If you don’t have time for a full-scale window replacement job right now (or if you just want to make sure that yours is done right), replacing your caulking should be at the top of your list.

Install storm windows.

If you live in a cold climate and your windows are prone to condensation, you can install storm windows on the outside of your home. Storm windows are often made of plastic or another type of material that is not affected by moisture or condensation on the inside of the window. They help keep warm air in and cold air out.

The benefits of installing storm windows include:

• Keeping warm air in and cold air out
• Helping prevent condensation on your windows
• Reducing heating costs

Replace single-pane glass panes with double-pane windows.

Replace single-pane glass panes with double-pane windows. This is the best way to prevent window condensation and frost buildup in your home. Double pane windows are more energy efficient, because they trap heat between the two panes of glass, which makes it more difficult for warm air to escape your house when you’re not around. In addition, they keep cold air from seeping into your house when you leave a dual window open on a cold winter day—and they do so without letting in excess moisture as well.

• Cost: More expensive than single pane windows
• Energy efficiency: More energy efficient than single pane windows

Know When Winter Window Condensation Is a Problem

The first thing you should do when detecting window condensation is to determine if it’s happening in a single room or multiple rooms. If you only see condensation on one window, then there’s no cause for concern. But if you see it happening on several windows throughout your home, then this might indicate that there’s an issue with your heating/cooling system or even with the weather outside (if you live in an area where winters are cold and humid).

If the windows are only showing signs of condensation on the inside surface and not on any other parts of them (like their frames), then this could mean that there isn’t enough insulation around them. To remedy this problem:

• Seal off all gaps between frames using caulk or foam insulation tape
• Replace worn-out caulking with new caulk

Make sure your window frames are in good shape.

It’s important to make sure your window frames are in good shape, as this can affect how much moisture builds up. If the frame is damaged in any way, such as cracks or gaps between the window and frame, it will allow more air to escape from or enter into your home. This can result in condensation building up on your windows.

Check your windows for rot or warping of wood trim around them; if this is an issue then there may be a chance that you need to replace some parts of the frame itself which could allow more air in/out of your home and therefore lead to condensation forming on your windows.

Assess the performance of your windows.

Windows are designed to be able to withstand a certain amount of moisture. If you have older windows, they may not be able to withstand the moisture caused by window condensation. Newer windows should be able to stand up against this, but if your windows are old or new and you find that you still have issues with condensation on them, it’s time for a replacement.

Think about how much humidity you’re creating indoors.

You can also try to reduce the amount of humidity in your home. This will make it harder for condensation to form on windows, but you’ll need to be careful not to over-dry the air.

Some tips:

• Use a dehumidifier in basements and attics if they’re damp. If they’re damp because of low airflow, consider running fans there (and adding exhaust vents if necessary).
• Use a humidifier if your living space is too dry or if you have young children with symptoms like dry skin or asthma attacks after colds or flus. Place it near a window where the warmest air rises, such as near the top of a staircase or in front of an open window during winter months.

Seal up your house’s envelope to prevent moisture migration.

To prevent moisture migration, you should seal up your house’s envelope. Sealing up the cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation and exterior walls is a good place to start. Also make sure to seal around windows and doors so they don’t cause leaks that lead to condensation.

Conclusion

If you want to avoid problems with window condensation, you should always make sure that your windows are well sealed and in good condition. You can also try to lower the humidity in your home by using a moisture-reducing fluid or installing storm windows. The best way to prevent window condensation is by sealing up the house’s envelope so that moisture doesn’t migrate from inside out or outside in.