How to stop condensation on windows (and what causes it)
If you're fed up with peering through wet windowpanes on cold mornings, then condensation might be to blame.
With temperatures plummeting around the country, you may find yourself waking up to condensation on your windows — as well as a blanket of snow outside.
Condensation on windows is a common issue, particularly during the autumn and winter months. It often occurs on the interior of windows when warm, humid air comes into contact with cool glass.
"Single-glazed or draughty windows are often a problem area for mould and mildew growth due to factors such as condensation and dust," Helen O'Connor, Product Manager at 247 Blinds, tells Country Living.
"No window is exempt from condensation, especially in the winter months when we experience a lot of cold weather. Because of this your windows, blinds and curtains may be at risk of damage, as well as the walls and corners of your home. If you're not letting your home breathe, you are cultivating an environment for mould to grow."
With online searches for 'condensation on windows' up by 90% compared to last week, we have asked the experts for their advice on getting rid of consendation on windows.
What is condensation?
Condensation is created by excess moisture in the air that forms on cool surfaces, which is why you will have wet windows in the morning.
"As we begin to turn the heating on and the British weather becomes more wintery, condensation problems will likely exacerbate," says a spokesperson from The Residence Collection.
"With too much indoor humidity, the moisture in the air can cause dangerous moulds and mildew to flourish which can damage furniture, wallpaper, paintwork, floors and brickwork."
How to stop condensation on windows
1. Reduce the humidity inside
Reducing the humidity inside your home is a great way to stop condensation from appearing on windows. Taking early steps by using home ventilation (such as opening windows in the morning) will help prevent condensation problems.
"It is important to keep the indoor humidity consistent when it comes to preventing condensation. The recommended relative humidity range should be between 40-60% to create the most efficient working conditions for your health, minimising the risk of infections; use dehumidifiers where damp levels are high such as in basements or laundry,' says Geno Caccia, CEO at Caccia Plumbing Inc.
"You can also restrict those that make formation of moisture for instance hanging clothes inside the house, or long hot baths without proper airing."
2. Use window insulation film
Cold, thermally inefficient windows are a magnet for condensation.
"Window insulation film can also help limit or prevent condensation, further reducing the risk of mould and mildew build-up," says cleaning expert Nancy Emery from Tap Warehouse.
"The film can either be directly applied to a window using a hairdryer to shrink the film around the glass or can be attached to the window ledge to create a still air layer around half an inch thick using pressure-sensitive tape.
"It's like adding an extra layer of glazing to the window by restricting the convective air flow onto the inside glass surface — but at a snip of the price."
3. Buy a dehumidifier
From combating dampness to preventing the growth of dust mites, dehumidifiers essentially clean the air — and are great for stopping condensation on windows.
Laurie Crookes, Buyer at Homebase, adds: "Dehumidifiers control moisture levels in problem areas. A top tip is to run a cooling fan while the dehumidifier is on – this helps circulate the moisture in the air, allowing the dehumidifier to absorb it more efficiently."
4. Improve your home's insulation
Condensation is less likely to build up on a warm surface, so insulating your home better will reduce the risk.
"If your home is poorly insulated, then too much moisture may be entering your home, and heating and ventilating may only do so much," says Stephen Hankinson, heating expert at Electric Radiators Direct.
"Faulty seals on window and door frames can also allow too much outside moisture in. Draught excluder tape for windows, or fabric draught excluders for the bottoms of your doors, may help."
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