Window condensation isn’t uncommon in the Hoosier State, especially during winter months. In a nutshell, condensation occurs when the warm air meets cooler surfaces. Colder objects sweat in hot environments because the moisture in the air condenses into liquid water.
However, seeing your windows sweat on the outer side of the glass doesn’t mean they’re faulty. In fact, it’s the opposite. Condensation even indicates the energy efficiency of your windows. They restrict the warm, indoor air from going out with their weathertight seal. So rather than consider getting new ones, you might want to invest in Indiana vent cleaning instead.
To understand why window condensation happens in the first place, you need to know its actual cause — excessive humidity. Household activities render the indoor air moist. For instance, cooking three meals adds about four or five pints of water into the air, while taking a shower is another half pint. This is why the kitchen and the bathroom are easily susceptible to condensation.
Then again, window condensation doesn’t have to happen where the source of moisture is. With vapor pressure, the moisture can penetrate through different building materials, such as wood, plaster, brick, and cement.
Proper Ventilation is Key
Adequate ventilation is the ultimate solution to combat condensation. Apart from opening your windows, your vents play vital roles in optimizing the airflow around your home. Keeping them clean is an effective way to ensure efficiency.
Dehumidifiers Can Be a Worthwhile Investment
Apart from breathing out excessive moisture naturally or mechanically, equipping your rooms with a dehumidifier goes a long way. Just like an air conditioner, this appliance forces the condensation to occur on its coils, making your indoor air dry.
It’s imperative to understand window condensation to know your home’s health. Now that you know why it happens and how to deal with it, take the necessary precautions to prevent it to avoid its undesirable consequences, like mold growth or structural damage.