If you’ve recently had energy-efficient replacement windows installed and this is your first winter with your new windows, you might be surprised to find you’re getting condensation on the inside of the glass now that the temps here in the Twin Cities have gotten cold. That didn’t happen with your old windows, you say, so what gives?
We can tell you that this happens to a lot of our customers, and not only ours but to other homeowners around the Minneapolis area who have had their windows replaced this year by another replacement window company. And no, it isn’t the due to improper installation by your window contractor, and your windows are not defective.
What is happening is you have high levels of humidity in your home. That moisture – combined with colder outside temperatures – is what is producing the condensation. Basically, your warm indoor air, combined with an elevated level of humidity, has created a dew point which is higher than the cool surfaces. When that happens, condensation forms.
“But that’s never happened before,” you tell us. “I never got condensation on my old windows, and I’m not doing anything differently inside my home this winter than I have done in previous years.” We understand your frustration. If you understand the basics of window condensation and how humidity builds up inside a home in the winter (if not, read this article), then read on to find out the most likely reasons you didn’t get condensation on your old windows.
Take a look at this helpful information from our friends at ProVia, one of our favorite energy-efficient replacement window and door suppliers:
The fix for this is simple – reduce your indoor humidity level, which in turn will reduce the dew point. Once that falls below the temperature of the glass window panes, condensation won’t form. This will require regular adjusting, however. As the outside air temperatures rise or fall, you’ll need to adjust your humidity level indoors. Having a sensor centrally located in your home that measures humidity will help you monitor things and see if an adjustment is needed. They aren’t very expensive, and you can usually find a tabletop model at a hardware store. While you shouldn’t consider this an endorsement of any particular brand, the photo at right shows a typical model. (Some programmable home thermostats come with a built-in humidistat. If you have a programmable thermostat, check to see if yours has this reading as well.)
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.
