My Windows Have Lots of Condensation on Them. Is This Bad?

Each winter – especially this one when the temps in the Minneapolis area are subzero, we get questions about window condensation.  Of course, most people think there is something wrong with their windows, but that is rarely the case.  While occasionally an old or damaged window might create conditions resulting in condensation forming on the inside of your window glass, usually the window is not at fault.  In all likelihood, that condensation is due to you allowing too much moisture to build up inside your home.  But before you address the causes, it may be helpful to understand why condensation forms on window glass in winter.  The bottom line?  There’s just too much moisture in the air for the outdoor temperature level.

Main Causes of High Indoor Humidity That Can Cause Condensation on Window Glass

The more a furnace needs to run, the drier it gets inside a home.  And to compensate, many homeowners run humidifiers or air misters to up the humidity level.  Air that is excessively dry can cause health problems, but you can get too much of a good thing. Before you turn on that humidifier, be aware that there are plenty of other things in your home that are already putting moisture into the air. These include:

• Showers: hot showers will pour quite a bit of moisture into the air.  Most likely you’re showering with the bathroom door closed, so plenty of steam is building up inside a small space.  And when you’re done, you leave the bathroom and all that moisture pours out into the rest of the house.  A good tip is to put your bath fan on a timer; let it run about 10 minutes after your shower.
• Cooking: Any stovetop cooking that results in simmering or boiling will put moisture into the air.  If you’ve got your stove on, you should have your exhaust fan on as well.
• People: Believe it or not, a big source of humidity inside a home is the people who live there.  Exhaling and talking produce moisture in the air.   The more people present in one room, the higher the humidity level.

Optimum Winter Indoor Humidity Levels

Keeping indoor moisture at a proper level not only will cut down on window condensation but also other problems.  Here’s a helpful chart so you can determine how moist the air should be in your home, depending on what the outdoor temperature is.  We suggest getting a portable humidistat so you can monitor humidity levels, because too much humidity can cause damage to your windows and other items in your home.

Now, if you’ve got your humidity level at a proper setting and you’re still having problems with condensation, it may be your windows.  We’d be happy to evaluate them for you – just call us for a free consultation.

Window Outfitters, Inc. is THE replacement window company serving the greater Minneapolis area.  We specialize in the installation of maintenance-free, energy efficient quality windows. 

 

 

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.