Especially in winter, there’s typically a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of your home. With added moisture from showering, cooking, or even breathing, the warm air inside cools rapidly when it hits the cold windowpane, causing the water vapor in the air to condense into liquid droplets.
While a few droplets might seem minor, when they don’t evaporate in full, condensation on windows in winter can lead to bigger issues like mold growth and damage to your window frames.
By understanding the causes and being proactive, you can keep your home comfortable, healthy, and free from those excess water droplets. Discover practical tips and solutions to tackle window condensation in your home during winter with Glass Doctor®.
Factors for Condensation on Windows in the Winter
As outdoor temperatures drop and the furnace kicks on, homeowners may see an increase in window condensation this winter. Window condensation is formed like condensation on the outside of an icy glass of water – warm, humid air meets cool window glass and condenses on the surface.
The amount of condensation you see in your home can be influenced by a handful of factors:
1. Humidity Levels:
The higher the humidity, the more likely you are to experience condensation. This holds especially true for cold, damp weather as it naturally increases the likelihood of condensation.
2. Household Activities:
In winter, when we tend to keep our homes closed up tight, this moisture has nowhere to escape. You’ll notice that everyday activities contribute to indoor humidity when it’s cold outside, including:
- Cooking: Boiling water, simmering sauces, and using the oven all generate steam.
- Drying clothes indoors: Hanging laundry inside adds moisture to the air.
- Running a humidifier: While humidifiers can improve comfort in dry winter air, excessive use can exacerbate condensation on windows in winter.
- Having lots of houseplants: Plants release moisture naturally.
3. Window Quality and Insulation:
Older, single-pane windows are much more susceptible to condensation because they offer little insulation. Double- or triple-pane windows with insulating gas fills create a barrier that helps maintain a warmer interior glass surface, reducing the chance of condensation forming on the inside pane.
Possible Damage from Condensation on Windows in Winter
Prolonged condensation on windows during winter creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Aside from being unsightly, leaving you with poor air quality, and musty odors, mold poses health risks, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Constant exposure to moisture can wreak havoc on your window frames. Wooden frames are especially vulnerable to rot and decay, while metal frames can corrode. Water can also damage the seals around your windows, compromising their insulation and leading to drafts.
Damaged window seals can allow condensation to form between the panes of glass in double—or triple-pane windows, allowing moisture to seep into the insulated space. Resulting in fogged windows and eventual wood rot, the condensation also significantly reduces the window's energy efficiency, and results in higher energy bills.
How to Prevent Condensation on Windows in Winter
Don't let condensation on windows cloud your view during the winter months. Practical steps will help you reduce humidity and keep your windows clear all winter long.
- Always use your exhaust fan.
From cooking to bathing, be sure to turn on kitchen and bathroom fans whenever you do something that can generate steam, like boiling a pot of water or running a steamy shower. - Turn on the ceiling fan.
Circulating air reduces the formation of condensation on windows in the winter. Reversing the direction of your home’s ceiling fan in winter (to rotate in a clockwise direction), will help keep air flowing in your home without cooling the air. - Turn down the humidifier or turn on the dehumidifier.
It’s tempting to automatically turn on the humidifier during a cool, dry winter. But before you reach for the dial, ask yourself if you really need to turn it on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping relative humidity levels between 30% and 60% to prevent mold growth. Keeping relative humidity levels between 30% and 40% during the cold winter is optimal. Find the right balance between humidifiers and dehumidifiers to keep your home comfortable throughout the winter season. - Rearrange your setup.
Have you recently moved an enormous collection of houseplants? Do you keep your fish tank near a window? Plants and open containers of water can feed wintertime window condensation. Consider moving plants and fish tanks a few feet from the window to reduce condensation on your windows in the winter. - Install weather stripping.
Install weather stripping according to the manufacturer’s instructions. - Install curtains or drapes.
Insulate the window with the installation of thermal curtains or drapes. They form a barrier between your home’s interior and the windows, and, in turn, form an insulating barrier between the indoor- and outdoor temperatures. - Install storm windows.
Storm windows serve as an additional insulating barrier. Installing them can decrease the appearance of condensation on the inside of your windows. - Install seasonal window insulation.
Plastic window film is a temporary weatherization product that can be installed on the interior of windows each winter. Insulating window film is generally a suitable short-term solution when more expensive, more permanent solutions like window replacement or storm window installation are out of reach.
- Replace single pane windows.
By nature, single-pane windows are less insulated than double-pane windows, also called Insulated Glass Units or IGUs. If you still have single-pane windows in your home, replacing them with new, energy-efficient double-pane windows will reduce condensation and also lower your energy bill.
How to Prevent Different Types of Winter Window Condensation
Knowing the type of winter window condensation you’re dealing with helps you determine the best course of action. Interior condensation is often a sign of humidity issues you need to manage, while exterior condensation usually requires no action as the changing weather will address it. Between-the-panes condensation is always a cause for concern and requires professional attention – regardless of the season.
Exterior Window Condensation
While difficult to eliminate completely, you can minimize exterior window condensation in winter by:
- Maintaining proper ventilation in the home.
- Opening windows for short periods to allow fresh air in.
- Using awnings or shades to block direct sunlight from heating the window surface.
Interior Window Condensation
High indoor humidity stems from various activities you can control. Reduce condensation building on your windows’ interior by:
- Reducing indoor humidity. Use exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, and opening windows when possible.
- Improving ventilation. Ensuring proper airflow throughout your home.
- Sealing any air leaks around windows and doors.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient windows with better insulation.
Between the Panes Condensation
Condensation between the panes is a clear sign of a broken seal, allowing air and moisture to enter the insulated space. Moisture seeps between the sealed panes of a double or triple-pane window because of their age, exposure to extreme temperatures, and faulty installation.
If you have between-the-panes condensation, contact a professional for window repair or replacement. Your trusted glass specialist can assess your window.
Let Glass Doctor Help You with Your Window Maintenance & Replacement Needs
Taking care of your home windows is always a good investment – in comfort, energy efficiency, and overall value. If you've noticed signs of condensation, drafts, or damage, it might be time to give your windows some attention.
Your local Glass Doctor is here to help! Our glass specialists can assist you with a wide range of window services, including:
- Window Maintenance: We offer routine inspections and maintenance to keep your windows in top condition and prevent future problems.
- Window Repair: We can handle a variety of window repairs, from fixing foggy windows to replacing broken seals.
- Window Replacement: If your windows are beyond repair or you want to upgrade to more energy-efficient models, we can help you choose the windows fit for your home and install them with precision.
Our Professional Promise to You
Whether you have a problem with your seals or need to upgrade to more energy-efficient glass, Glass Doctor is committed to exceptional service and exceeding your expectations. We stand by our Neighborly Done Right Promise™, ensuring you’ll be happy with our work.
Receive Your Free Quote Today
Ready to take the next step? Contact Glass Doctor today for a free, no-obligation window repair or replacement service quote. Our online form makes it quick and easy to get started - simply provide some basic information about your needs, and we'll be in touch.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Glass Doctor is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Glass Doctor location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Condensation on Windows in Winter FAQ
Our commitment to solving your glass-related challenges and meeting your home and auto glass needs has helped us remain a trusted resource for homeowners and businesses for over 50 years. Whether dealing with a small crack or a major glass disaster, you can count on Glass Doctor for the solution. This includes answering your glass-related questions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about winter condensation on your home's windows.
What humidity level is too high for preventing window condensation?
Maintaining your indoor humidity below 60% is generally recommended to help reduce the risk of condensation on your windows. When the humidity level exceeds this threshold, the excess moisture in the air is more likely to come into contact with cool surfaces like windows, leading to condensation.
Does window condensation in the winter mean bad insulation?
Yes, window condensation can often indicate poor insulation. When your windows are poorly insulated, they become cold spots in your home. This allows warm, moist air to come into contact with the cold surface, resulting in condensation. If you're experiencing persistent condensation, consider upgrading to modern, energy-efficient windows. Glass Doctor specializes in window replacement services that can help reduce or eliminate these issues.
When should I contact a professional for window maintenance or replacement?
It's time to call in a professional if you notice excessive condensation on windows in winter that doesn't improve with simple measures like dehumidifiers or ventilation, or if you see signs of water damage, mold growth, or frost buildup on your windows. Glass Doctor has the expertise to assess your situation, provide necessary maintenance, or recommend the best window replacement options for your needs.