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.
Probably the most effective way to tackle overnight condensation is with a Positive Input Ventilation system (PIV). A PIV draws outside air through a filtration system into a central unit installed in your house (typically in an attic). From there, the external air is evenly distributed to every room in your house.
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.
Although it might look like an issue, moisture on your windows doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. In fact, window condensation can be a sign that your windows are forming an airtight seal, reducing air leakage and keeping the moisture inside your home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blinds can't cause condensation due to the fact they do not produce moisture or heat.
When warm, moist air comes into contact with cold window glass, water droplets form on the window's surface. Plastic film stops the formation of condensation on the interior of your window glass by creating a barrier between the air and the glass.
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.
In contrast to this, the inside of your home will be warm, keeping you and your family toasty. Warm air is better able to hold moisture, so once this air begins to cool it cannot hold the moisture any longer and it turns into droplets of water.
The best way to heat your home is through steady background heating left on throughout the day. This is because warmer air can hold more moisture, and as the temperature of the structure increases, the possibility of condensation forming on surfaces is reduced.
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.
Opening a window can help reduce the humidity inside a home because doing so improves air circulation and will help redirect warm or damp air outside. However, opening a window is only effective when the humidity level inside the home is less than or equal to the outside.
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.