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.
It's only when you have excessive condensation on the windows, or the condensation is between the window panes that you should be concerned.
A dehumidifier works by drawing in the moisture laden air to help reduce condensation and damp problems.
No, your dehumidifier should not have to run constantly to regulate the air humidity. An optimal humidity level to shoot for is between 30 and 50 percent.
However, it's important to know when to turn the unit off. Once temperatures drop to around 65 degrees, it's best to turn the dehumidifier off.
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.
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.
As Carroll told Live Science: "Condensation can form on windows, and other surfaces, at any time of the year. In the winter, condensation often builds up on the windows because the outside air temperature is much lower than indoors.
To vent rooms in your home is one of the simplest and most effective actions you can do to get rid of condensation permanently. No matter the season, remember to vent the rooms at least twice a day, 10-15 minutes each.
Interior window condensation is caused by excessive moisture in the house, and it often occurs in the winter when the warm air inside the house condenses on the cold windows. Condensation between windowpanes occurs when the seal between the panes is broken or when the desiccant inside the windows is saturated.
While it may seem natural to blame the windows or doors, interior condensation is really an indication of excess humidity in the home. Exterior condensation, on the other hand, is a form of dew — the glass simply provides a surface on which the moisture can condense.
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. Condensation is completely normal and is the most common cause of dampness in the home, especially in colder rooms.
Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. The warmer it is, the more moisture it can hold. Heating one room, and leaving the others cold, will lead to more condensation forming in the cold rooms. If you have central heating with radiators in every room, it is best to have a medium level of heat throughout your home.
Condensation on walls is a problem for countless homes throughout the country. Unfortunately, it gets worse in winter, as the colder temperatures draw more moisture from the air. But that doesn't mean you have to put up with it.
Adequately heating your home can help to reduce condensation and damp, so keep temperature levels consistent, especially in those rooms that you may not use often. A heating thermostat can be useful for this. Avoid using paraffin heaters as these tend to create excess moisture.
Sometimes condensation can be greatly reduced by changing what you do in your home. Try these easy tips for reducing condensation: Keep your heating on low all day in the cold weather. Wipe your window sills every morning.
Keep your home at a constant temperature
This prevents areas of cold, which is where the condensation is most likely to occur. In cold weather, set your central heating to provide a constant background heat throughout the day, even when there is nobody home and in rooms which are not used.
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.
If you're concerned about spending too much on your electricity bill, you can try calling your energy company and asking about the “best times.” Usually, the best times to run your unit, that will save you money, is between 10 pm and 7 am — this is when less people are consuming energy, which drives down the rates.
We do not recommend placing a dehumidifier directly against a wall or piece of furniture. Instead, put it at least six inches away from these vent-blocking surfaces. For dehumidifiers that cover large areas, it's a good idea to place them somewhere central such as a hallway or landing.
Dehumidifier Placement Guide
Place the unit in a central and open area in the room or home to provide maximum coverage. They should also place it on a flat surface that supports its weight and has proper airflow around it.
A little condensation on the inside or outside of your window isn't a major cause of concern. Wipe it away when you see it, and take steps to reduce the humidity in your house during the winter. And if there's a little condensation on your windows in the morning – don't worry.