5 Ways to Stop Window Condensation

How often do you notice water on your windows? Interior and exterior condensation may seem like a low-level issue, but the resulting water damage to your windows can be a significant (and costly) problem. If protecting your exterior products is a priority for you, read on for our tips on reducing window condensation.

What Causes Condensation?

Before addressing your condensation problem, it’s important to understand why it exists on your windows. While exterior condensation is just dew, interior condensation is typically the result of excess moisture in your home. Usually unnoticeable, this may become a visible issue in the wintertime, when your windows are likely significantly colder than the warm indoor air. You may also see condensation between your window panes. This is usually an indication that your window sealant needs to be replaced.

So, what can be done to reduce or prevent window condensation? Let’s dig into your options.

1. Circulate Indoor Air

Everyday household activities like showering and cooking increase the moisture content of your indoor air. Utilizing bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can help remove some of that moisture, while ceiling fans push warm air from the ceiling back down to the floor and away from windows. 

2. Open Your Windows

Release the trapped warm air in your home by opening your windows. While this may not be the most desirable option during the winter, even 10 minutes of open air will help reduce your home’s moisture content without significantly impacting interior temperatures.

3. Raise Your Thermostat

While this may seem counterintuitive considering that condensation forms when there is a difference in temperature between your home and the window surface, raising your thermostat setting can actually help warm up your windows themselves. Just like your open windows, you need not do this for long to see a difference in condensation. 

4. Install Window Treatments

Uninterested in raising your thermostat (and the potential increase in your monthly utility bill that could come with a higher setting)? Warm up your windows through window treatments instead! Curtains, blinds and shades can all help provide additional warmth; it may also be worth exploring weatherstripping options for a fully protected and insulated window.

5. Relocate Indoor Plants

Indoor plants actually release moisture into the air and may be contributing to your condensation problem, especially if they’re kept on or near windowsills. Try reducing the number of plants you keep in one spot, or keep them away from the windows until the warmest time of day (when your windows are likely to be warmer, too).

Get Year-Round Performance Products With Window World of Cedar Rapids 

Has condensation damaged your windows? Replace them with our custom-fit windows designed with insulated glass and a vinyl finish for long-lasting performance. Request a free quote today to get started!