Persistent indoor window condensation can lead to the growth of mold or mildew, which thrive in damp environments and on organic materials, like wood. Think of condensation on your windows as an indicator to reduce the humidity in your home before bigger issues occur.
Removing condensation
Excess window condensation of a prolonged period can cause serious problems — both for your home and the people living in it. For example, excess water can cause window seals to warp and loosen, while the excess damp can lead to mould and respiratory problems.
Condensation can also cause paint and varnish to peel off wooden frames. The most significant risk to the condition of your windows and also for your health from allowing condensation build-up is mould growth. If left unmanaged, mould growth will stain wooden window frames and discolour uPVC double glazing.
Whilst condensation is a sign your existing windows are working properly, excessive moisture can cause mould to grow around your window frames. However, taking a few important steps can prevent damage and prolong window life, such as: Opening windows for at least 20 minutes a day, but preferably for longer.
When Should I Worry About Condensation? Although finding condensation on windows is not uncommon, when it forms in certain places it may signify a larger issue. If condensation is found between the layers of glass in your windows, it's a sure sign the airtight seal is broken.
As condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with a colder surface like a wall, window, mirror etc. this is usually where we find mold and mildew growth first – but we've also seen it behind wardrobes and furniture where air doesn't circulate as freely so the drywall can't dry out.
Fix it: Condensation on windows can indicate excessive indoor moisture. It also can be a warning sign of carbon monoxide in the home.
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. You don't need to keep your home at these temperatures all the time, but you should aim to bring it up to these temperatures at least some of the day.
Internal condensation
This is generally caused by the room not being double or triple glazed, not being sufficiently heated and/or being shut up so the air doesn't move around enough. The upshot is too much water vapour in the room and windows which are cold enough to attract it.
This can cause/exacerbate health issues, threaten the foundational structure of homes, and ultimately reduce the value of a property." He explained that keeping your heating between 15 and 17 degrees helps your home reach a "constant temperature" which stops water forming on the windows.
Ventilate so the moist air leaves the house – always use the extractor fan when you're cooking, showering or bathing, leave any window vents open, and don't block off any other vents. Make sure air can circulate by leaving gaps between furniture and the wall.
By resealing your windows, you can stop condensation in their tracks. Leaving condensation untreated can result in a colder house and can even lead to mould and damp forming.
The main reason that condensation is worse in winter and the colder months of the year is because the amount of heat and moisture present within a home is often far greater than it is during summer, as well as the fact that the temperature outside your property is much cooler.
In most cases, internal condensation issues occur because of too much humidity in the room or little to no air circulation. Low internal room temperatures can also create cold surfaces (particularly on windows and exterior walls) which allows warm air to condense onto them easily.
Winter is often the time when you experience damp conditions in your home. Condensation is caused by warm moist air coming into contact with cold surfaces such as windows and walls. It happens mainly during the colder months, regardless of whether the weather is wet or dry.
It is most often caused by poor levels of household insulation as well as inadequate ventilation. Thankfully, for those looking to find out how to solve condensation, there are simple steps you can take to ensure window condensation doesn't become a longer-term problem for you.
Cold air doesn't hold as much moisture as warm air, so that moisture looks for somewhere to go. That's paired with the moisture you release as you sleep, with an estimated 40g of water vapour generated through breathing and sweating at night.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
A dehumidifier is a fast, effective and cost-efficient way to cure condensation. Opening the windows may seem to be the easy – and free – solution, but it's not quite as cheap as it looks.
Use a Dehumidifier
As is suggested in the name, a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air. Through using one of these, condensation will be a lot less likely to occur because there is no water to condense on your surfaces.
Keep the temperature low to begin with, as overloading your car with hot wet air will just make the problem worse. The cold air from the fans will still be warmer than that of the glass, and will help to dry it out - then you can start to turn up the heat.
The atmospheric temperature must always be consistent to stop condensation. Make sure warm air ventilates out of the home and walls and surfaces are not too cold. Try keeping the heat at a low consistent temperature and avoid drying clothes inside.