Effective Solutions for a Drier Home

Condensation on windows is a common issue that many homeowners face, especially during the colder months. It occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cool surface—such as your window panes—causing water droplets to form. While a little condensation might seem harmless, over time, it can lead to more serious problems, including mould growth, damage to window frames, and reduced energy efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore how to stop condensation on windows, the causes of the problem, and effective solutions for keeping your home drier and more comfortable.

What Causes Condensation on Windows?

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the root causes of window condensation. Condensation forms when there is excess moisture in the air, combined with temperature differences between the interior of your home and the outdoor environment. Common sources of moisture include:

• Indoor Activities: Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors, and even breathing contribute to indoor humidity.
• Poor Ventilation: Homes that lack proper airflow trap moisture, leading to a build-up of humidity that eventually condenses on cooler surfaces like windows.
• Temperature Differences: When the temperature inside your home is much warmer than outside, the cool window surface attracts moisture from the warm air, causing condensation to form.

Types of Window Condensation

There are three main types of window condensation, each occurring in different locations and requiring specific approaches to address:

• Interior Condensation: This occurs on the inside of your windows and is typically caused by high humidity levels inside your home. This tends to occur more with single pane windows.
• Exterior Condensation: Exterior condensation forms on the outside of your windows and is usually not a problem. It happens when the outdoor air is humid and your windows are cooler than the outside temperature.
• Condensation Between Panes: This occurs in double-glazed or triple-glazed windows when the seal between the panes of glass fails, allowing moisture to get trapped inside the window unit.

How to Stop Condensation on Windows: Proven Solutions

Stopping condensation on windows requires a combination of reducing indoor humidity and improving ventilation. Here are some effective strategies to keep your windows condensation-free:

1. Improve Ventilation

Proper ventilation is one of the most effective ways to prevent condensation on windows. When air can circulate freely, it helps reduce the humidity levels inside your home, minimising the chances of condensation forming on cold surfaces.

• Use Extractor Fans: Install extractor fans in moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Ensure these fans are turned on during activities like cooking or showering to expel moist air outside.
• Open Windows: On milder days, open your windows for a few minutes to allow fresh air to circulate and excess moisture to escape. Cross-ventilation (opening windows on opposite sides of the home) can be particularly effective.
• Trickle Vents: Many modern windows come with built-in trickle vents, which allow a small amount of air to flow in and out of the room even when the windows are closed. If your windows have these, make sure they’re open to encourage airflow.

2. Use a Dehumidifier

If your home has persistently high humidity levels, investing in a dehumidifier can be an excellent solution. A dehumidifier works by removing excess moisture from the air, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming on windows. Place a dehumidifier in rooms where condensation is most common, such as bedrooms, kitchens, or living areas.

Some modern dehumidifiers come with built-in hygrometers, which allow you to monitor the humidity levels in your home and maintain an optimal range (typically between 40-60%).

3. Adjust Your Heating

Inconsistencies in your home’s heating can lead to window condensation. When some areas of your home are cooler than others, warm, moist air will naturally move toward the cooler surfaces—such as your windows—causing condensation.

To prevent this, try to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, even in unused rooms. Heating your home evenly ensures that no surfaces become significantly cooler than the rest of the house, reducing the risk of condensation.

4. Avoid Drying Clothes Indoors

Drying clothes indoors is a significant source of moisture, which can easily contribute to condensation on windows. If possible, dry your clothes outside or use a tumble dryer that vents air outdoors. If you must dry clothes inside, ensure the room is well-ventilated, and consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air.

5. Install Double or Triple Glazing

Double and triple glazed sash windows are far more energy-efficient than single glazing, and it helps regulate the temperature of the glass, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming.

In double-glazed units, two panes of glass are separated by an insulating layer of gas (typically argon), which keeps the inner pane warmer. This reduces the temperature difference between the inside and outside surfaces of the glass, minimising the chance of condensation forming on the inside.

6. Use Window Insulation Film

For those who have single-glazed windows or live in older homes, window insulation film can be an effective short-term solution. This clear, plastic film is applied to the interior surface of your windows and acts as an additional insulating layer. It helps keep the interior pane warmer, reducing condensation build-up.

7. Improve Home Insulation

Improving your home’s overall insulation is a long-term solution that can help reduce condensation. Properly insulated walls, roofs, and floors prevent heat from escaping, keeping interior surfaces—such as windows—warmer. As a result, the temperature difference between the air and the windows is reduced, minimising condensation.

If your windows are particularly prone to condensation, you might also consider upgrading to more energy-efficient frames, such as those made from timber or composite materials, which offer better thermal insulation than aluminium or single-pane windows.

8. Install Humidity Sensors

In areas where humidity levels tend to spike, such as bathrooms or kitchens, installing humidity sensors can be useful. These sensors can be connected to your extractor fans, automatically turning them on when moisture levels rise and off once the air is sufficiently dry. This helps keep moisture in check and prevents condensation from forming on your windows.

Managing Exterior Condensation

While interior condensation is the main concern for homeowners, exterior condensation can occasionally occur, especially on energy-efficient windows. Exterior condensation happens when the outside air is warmer and more humid than the window surface. Though it may be annoying, it’s actually a sign that your windows are effectively insulating your home.

If you want to minimise exterior condensation, here are a few simple solutions:

• Trim Nearby Plants: Plants and shrubs near your windows can block airflow, trapping humidity close to the glass. Trimming them back will allow for better ventilation.
• Keep Exterior Windows Clean: Dirt and debris can attract moisture, leading to condensation. Regularly cleaning the outside of your windows helps reduce the likelihood of exterior condensation.
• Install Awnings: Exterior condensation is often caused by cool night air settling on the windows. Installing awnings or overhangs can help protect the windows from this moisture build-up.

Dealing with Condensation Between Window Panes

If you notice condensation forming between the panes of double or triple-glazed windows, this indicates a failure of the window seal. Unfortunately, once the seal is broken, the insulating gas between the panes escapes, and moisture can enter, causing fogging and condensation. This not only affects the appearance of your windows but also reduces their energy efficiency.

The best solution for condensation between window panes is to have the unit professionally replaced. In some cases, it may be possible to reseal the window, but often, replacement of the glass unit is the most effective option. We recommend checking your warranty period as replacing the unit could be done free of charge.

Condensation on windows is a common issue, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to keep it under control. By improving ventilation, managing humidity levels, and ensuring your home is properly insulated, you can stop condensation from forming on your windows, preserving the beauty and functionality of your glazing.

For expert advice or assistance with upgrading your windows, consider contacting a professional window installer. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows with enhanced insulation can make a significant difference in reducing condensation and keeping your home comfortable all year round.