Condensation on the Windows? What it Could Be a Sign Of
If you’re noticing condensation on the windows in your home, don’t blame the windows. Water vapor naturally condenses wherever air contacts cooler surfaces. Because glass transmits heat energy very efficiently, windows are typically the coolest surface in your house. Excess condensation on the windows is usually related to high indoor humidity levels rather than an issue with the windows themselves.
Condensation on windows causes fogging that obscures a clear view of the outdoors. It also leaves streaks that require frequent cleaning. However, wet windows are the source of more than just annoyance. Condensation dripping off the glass onto components such as the sash and sill causes wood rot, warping and makes windows difficult to open or close. In addition, chronically wet windows form a breeding ground for mildew and even toxic mold growth.
To reduce condensation on the windows, address indoor humidity issues.
- Humidity reduction is part of the air conditioning process to make the home feel more comfortable. For that reason, your A/C is also helpful to limit condensation. Make sure your air conditioner is operating up to manufacturer’s specifications. Annual preventive maintenance by a qualified professional is critical to ensure that A/C components like the evaporator coil, which extracts water vapor, are clean and fully functional. Also, change the air filter monthly yourself to ensure adequate airflow
- Where outdoor humidity makes it hard to maintain indoor humidity to recommended levels, consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier. Installed inside your HVAC ductwork, the unit continuously removes water vapor from household air as it circulates through the ducts to maintain a consistent humidity setting in all living spaces.
- Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to vent humidity produced in these rooms out of the house before it migrates throughout the entire home.
- Make sure your clothes dryer is properly vented to the exterior of the house and that the vent hose isn’t clogged with lint or leaking. Drying clothes adds a large quantity of water vapor to indoor air.
For professional service to resolve the causes of condensation on the windows, contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling, Electric and Plumbing.