This Pro’s Warning About Frost Could Save You Thousands
In the cold of winter, it can feel like harsh weather tries to sneak its way indoors in invisible ways, like through drafty doors and leaky windows. But sometimes, you can actually see the effect of cold temperatures indoors, like with condensation and ice on windows.
“Cold air leaking around the window frame or cold single-pane window being in contact with the warm air of your home causes that, especially if your home is humid,” says Nick Gromicko, founder of InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
While foggy windows are a frequent occurrence — and no big deal — in cars, spotting this same temperature fluctuation on your home’s panes can be a problem. That’s because it means that you’re paying for heat that you’re not using, for one, and because that extra moisture can cause secondary issues like mold, mildew, and even bugs.
“Condensation on the inside of your window can usually be an easy fix, but it’s important to address it quickly,” says Mallory Micetich, Angi Home Expert. (Of course, there are some times that you’ll need pro intervention, so you should know what to look for in those cases, too.)
Here’s what you need to do if you’ve spotted ice on the inside of your windows.
Ice forms on the insides of windows when the inside air is much warmer than the outside air, which leads to condensation. Once condensation forms on the glass, cold enough exterior temperatures can cause it to freeze.
The best ways to fix ice on the inside of windows are to lower the humidity inside your home and to increase ventilation.
Why Is There Ice On The Inside of My Windows?
Condensation happens when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cold surface (here, your window). If it’s happening on the outside, no big deal; if it’s on the inside, it could indicate that there’s too much humidity in your home or the seals on your windows are worn out.
While you might see condensation as fog or water droplets, cold enough temperatures could also cause this condensation to freeze — leading to ice on your windows.
When to Worry About Ice Inside Windows
Condensation could happen in various areas of a home, but window condensation or ice usually occurs in kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms — anywhere moisture and temperature changes intermingle. While foggy windows can happen throughout the year, they’re more obvious in the winter because of the difference in temperature between the outdoors and inside.
“You can’t change nature’s temperature outside, so you have to focus on your indoor air,” Gromicko says.
If you’ve noticed the window above your kitchen sink or in your bathroom fogging over and not dissipating, then you most likely need to make use of ventilation.
Where Do You See Ice on Windows?
Condensation could happen in various areas of a home, but window condensation or ice usually occurs in kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms — anywhere moisture and temperature changes intermingle.
How to Remove Ice Inside Windows
While it can be startling to witness ice forming inside your home, fear not. There are things you can do to cut down on this happening (and prevent potential damage, like mold). Below, read four simple methods for preventing or cutting down on ice on the inside of your windows.
Use a dehumidifier.
You might generally think of winter as a dry season, with the use of indoor heating contributing to lower air moisture overall. But there are rooms where the humidity might be too high (like the aforementioned kitchen or bathroom). That’s why Gromicko recommends buying a humidifier.
“A dehumidifier and more ventilation will help stop ice buildup on windows,” he says. “Alternatively, even running a ceiling fan will help.”
Use your exhaust fans.
Speaking of exhaust fans: Another way to cut down on excess moisture in your home and ice on your windows is to increase ventilation by operating bath and kitchen exhaust fans. Even when you’re not cooking or showering, these fans can cut down on inside humidity. “Also, make sure appliances like dryers are vented to the outside,” Gromicko says.
Seal all joints.
Leaky window frames and door frames can cause cold air to come inside, where it hits warm air and creates condensation and ice on windows. The solution? Make sure any cracks are sealed up by using caulk or other insulation.
A more temporary solution is to install a plastic film over the windows, making sure to wrap it around the frame. This is a simple DIY that can be done with plastic film and a hairdryer, and is easily removed when temps start to rise outside.
Use heavy drapes.
Another easy way to prevent cold air from getting inside is to hang heavy drapes or thermal curtains, which provide an additional barrier between the cold outside air and the warm inside air.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my windows from getting ice on the inside?
If you’ve taken the time to follow the advice above, but ice is still forming on the inside of your windows, there’s another way to keep them clear.
“You can make a spray bottle solution using two parts rubbing alcohol to one part warm water,” Gromicko says. “You could also use three parts vinegar to one part warm water.” Spray the solution on the window, and dry it with a hair dryer. This will clear up the fogginess without damaging the window.
Is ice on the inside of new windows normal?
“Ice can form even on new windows if your home’s air is warm and humid,” Gromicko says. Make use of a dehumidifier, and routinely ventilate the space, to get the inside and outside air as matched up as possible.
How does ice get in the inside of windows?
Ice on the inside of windows forms when the temperature inside the space is much warmer than fresh air. “If you are not using certain rooms of your home, you can close the heating vents and doors in those rooms and allow the temperature to drop to reduce the difference between the outside and inside of the windows in those rooms,” Gromicko says. It’s one way to keep your heating bill in check!
Why do I have condensation on the inside of my windows in the winter?
Given that winter temperatures are often chilly, condensation forms on the inside of windows when we use heat inside. “Turn the heat down in your home a little bit, make sure appliances like dryers are vented to the outside, run your ceiling fan more often, and use a dehumidifier,” Gromicko says.
How do I stop my windows from getting cold through glass?
Your windows will likely be cold if the temperature outside is the same, but that’s nothing to worry about. As long as there’s regular ventilation in this space, you can enjoy being warm inside.
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