Opening the windows at night, when the outside air is at its lowest damp level, is key as you will release the warm, damp air inside and lower your home's humidity level. Keeping curtains open allows air to circulate against the window, which prevents condensation from forming.
The reason it happens is because the external air is warmer than the temperature of the glazed pane's surface – and the dew point of the air is higher. It is more likely to occur at night or early in the morning when temperatures are low, particularly if there is a clear sky and almost no wind.
Open windows – and drapes
The simplest way to get rid of condensation inside windows is to just open them, even a crack. Doing so reduces the room's humidity dramatically.
To help with clearing the condensation away, you can make a simple, home-made solution by mixing two cups of water with two cups of white vinegar and a couple drops of washing up liquid. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle if you have one and spray the solution straight onto your window.
Removing condensation
For example, excess water can cause window seals to warp and loosen, while the excess damp can lead to mould and respiratory problems. Make a habit of removing window condensation first thing every morning — when it's at its worst.
Dehumidifiers alone can reduce condensation, but they won't stop it. In order to avoid condensation, a dehumidifier must operate in harmony with adequate indoor ventilation and sufficient air exchange with the outdoors.
Open Your Window
This might seem obvious, but it's effective. Opening your windows will release the humid air outside, and therefore, will prevent the humidity from collecting onto your windows. So, if it's not too cold out and you're suffering from condensation, open a window.
The World Health Organisation guidelines suggest 21 degrees in a living room and 18 degrees in the bedrooms, falling lower at night and when you are out.
Single glazed windows will inevitably cause condensation over the colder months as the glass cannot warm up. Replacing single glazing with double or triple glazing will give the window an internal layer of glass, insulated from the temperatures outside, which can warm up with your room and reduce condensation.
Once humidity levels in the home are brought down to below 60%, airborne bacteria and viruses will not only stop breeding, but will struggle to survive. To control heavier cases of condensation on windows, damp or mould, it is advisable to bring the humidity down to 40% during the winter months.
The most popular DIY dehumidifier is the one that works the best—rock salt. Rock salt naturally absorbs moisture out of the air, making it a great choice to use as a dehumidifier.
Blinds can't cause condensation due to the fact they do not produce moisture or heat.
Cold, thermally inefficient windows are a magnet for condensation. They'll likely become wet in the morning even if you try your best to ventilate your home throughout the day. That leaves you with one option – fixing the windows.
Just keeping your window open for a short amount of time each day can significantly reduce indoor pollution and bring fresh air inside to dilute any toxins. In winter, especially, air can become old and stale quickly, so you'll want to keep things fresh and clean.
The humidity in most homes is between 30% and 50%. If your home is above 50% humidity then a dehumidifier is needed. However, if humidity levels are below 30%, a humidifier is needed. To determine the humidity level in your home pick up a hygrometer for less than $20 at a home improvement store.
Dew only occurs when temperatures drop and objects cool down. Unlike hot air, colder air is less able to hold water vapor, which forces the gaseous water around cool objects to condense. Temperatures reach the dew point most usually at night – and especially during summer when warm days are followed by cool nights.
The warmer the air, the more water and moisture it can hold. Therefore, heating can help with excessive damp because it increases the water-holding capacity of the air and makes it, as a result, less likely to become saturated.
Window glass that is cooler than the outside air will create condensation on the exterior side of the glass. This will evaporate as the glass warms up. Good air circulation outside the window will also help the water vaporize faster.
One of the best solutions to condensation is to heat up your home. Central heating is a perfect way to heat your home and stop fluctuating temperatures that cause condensation.
Condensation on the interior of windows and doors occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with cool glass. This is especially common in the winter when outside air is cold and dry, and the indoor air is warm and humid.
If condensation has formed on the inside of your window, this is perfectly normal. In fact, this is a sign that your windows are working properly so you shouldn't be worried that your new windows have condensation.