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How Minneapolis Winter Weather Can Cause Window Condensation

closeup on interior window frame with condensationWe’ve already had snow and below freezing readings in the Twin Cities area lately, so it won’t be long before our office starts getting calls about windows.  The #1 question people have this time of year:  Why are my windows getting condensation?  Those who are particularly upset are people who recently had replacement windows installed, and they can’t figure out why they already have problems with their new windows.

The first thing you should know about condensation forming on the interior side of your windows in the winter is that most often it is NOT the fault of the window.  (Now, if there is fogging or condensation between the glass panes, that IS a window issue, but that’s a topic for another article.)

Why Is Condensation Forming on My Windows?

Condensation forms on your windows for the same reason it shows up on a glass of iced tea or a frosty mug of beer on a hot day: moisture plus heat on one side and cold on the other.  The greater the temperature difference and/or the amount of moisture in the air, the greater the likelihood condensation will form.  Simply put, there is too much humidity in your home for winter temperatures.  Yes, we understand the need many homes have to run humidifiers in the winter to keep the air from getting too dry due to your furnace activity, but more is not better.

  • Cold, dry air carries less water vapor; hence there is a reduced amount to condense on cool surfaces.  And generally speaking the rule is, as the outside temperature drops, the amount of water vapor does as well.

Humidifiers are not necessary in many homes. Before you get one for yours, we suggest you get a humidistat and measure the level of indoor moisture before you do.  Indoor humidity levels in the winter should run between 30-40%, but you should include these factors to determine ‘relative humidity’.

  • Outside air temperature:  The colder the temperature, the more humidity you’ll need to keep your indoor air from being too dry.
  • Moisture-generating activities in your home:  A lot of things we do indoors actually produce water vapor or add moisture to the air.  These include taking a shower, stovetop cooking (especially when boiling water is involved), and even strenuous exercise that produces sweat.  Also think about the number of people who are in your home.  When we exhale, some of the air we’re letting out carries moisture.  If you’re the only one at home, your house is going to be drier than if you’re having a large gathering.

The bottom line? You likely are having condensation on your windows because there’s too much humidity in your home.  We’ll have more information on the causes, cures, and problems in an upcoming post on our blog.  In the meantime, if there’s anything we can do to help you with your replacement window or exterior door needs, please let us know.  You can call us at either of the above numbers, or you can use our handy online contact form.

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home improvement company serving the greater Twin Cities metro area.

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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.

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