What Causes Window Condensation?

During the winter months, the weather usually gets colder and wetter. On those rainy winter days, it can be very relaxing to spend time reading a book or watching your favorite movie while you’re curled up inside, and you might notice some condensation forming on your windows. This condensation can cause some problems for your windows as well as some other surfaces in your home, so it’s important to understand the causes of window condensation in Santa Fe, NM and how to minimize it during the winter months.

Causes of window condensation

Just like condensation on a glass of water during the winter, window condensation happens when there’s a big temperature difference between a surface and the air it’s exposed to. Your windows are exposed to the cold winter air outside, which makes the glass cold. When you turn on your heater, the air inside your home heats up and your windows develop condensation when they are exposed to those higher temperatures.

Dealing with condensation

While some condensation is unavoidable, too much condensation can cause problems for homeowners. Excessive condensation on windows can cause moisture damage that takes a toll on window frames and may lead to the development of mold and mildew. To avoid the hassle and expense of repairing water-damaged window frames, it’s a good idea to prevent condensation as much as you can. Here are a few things that can reduce condensation on the inside of your windows:

• Use exhaust fans: Steam significantly increases window condensation in Santa Fe, NM, but you can use exhaust fans to combat it. Make sure to use exhaust fans in your kitchen when you’re cooking, and turn on your bathroom fan when you’re using your shower.
• Reinforce weather-stripping: If the weather-stripping around your windows is worn or damaged, your windows are more likely to develop condensation. Repair or replace weather-stripping around your windows to create a better seal that minimizes condensation.
• Use a dehumidifier: Reducing the humidity levels in your home is a very effective way to prevent condensation. Try to keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 40 percent to reduce condensation and prevent mold and mildew development.
• Consider replacing old windows: If you have older, single-pane windows, you will likely have a much harder time trying to prevent condensation. Not only do single-pane windows develop condensation more frequently and more rapidly, they also contribute to lower energy efficiency and increased demand on HVAC systems. Replacing single-pane windows with more efficient double-pane windows can make a big difference in the comfort of your home, as well as your energy usage and your home’s value.

Professional glass replacement

If you want to learn more about how to reduce window condensation in Santa Fe, NM, or you’re interested in window replacement options, reach out to Santa Fe Glass & Mirror. We are a locally owned and operated business with years of experience providing our customers with high-quality glass products and services. We can provide you with an on-site consultation and recommend the glass products that are right for your needs. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today.

Categorised in: Window Repair

This post was written by Writer