Common household condensation or “sweating” on windows is caused by excess humidity or water vapor in a home. When water vapor in the air comes in contact with a cold surface such as a mirror or glass window, it turns into water droplets called condensation. While our windows have SuperSpacer technology that inhibits condensation, all homes can have occasional condensation, such as a little fogging on the windows, but this is no cause for concern.
On the other hand, excessive window condensation, frost, peeling paint, even moisture spots on ceilings and walls can be signs of excessive condensation and potentially damaging problems in your home. We tend to notice condensation on windows and mirrors first because moisture doesn’t penetrate these surfaces. Yet they are not the problem, simply the indicators that you need to reduce the indoor humidity of your home.
Six Ways To Control Indoor Humidity
- Make sure all sources of ventilation to the outside are functional, and use kitchen, bathroom and laundry room exhaust fans during and after humidity-producing activities to vent excess moisture.
- Air out your home periodically. Opening windows for just a few minutes a day lets the stale, moist air escape and the fresh, dry air enter without compromising your heating.
- If you have a humidifier check your settings. Use the humidity comfort levels provided in the table to correctly set and balance the humidity level in your home.
- Be sure that all louvers in the attic or basement are open and large enough. You can even open your fireplace dampers to allow excess moisture to escape.
- If you have a large amount of houseplants, try to concentrate them in one area and avoid over-watering.
- If troublesome condensation persists, see your heating contractor about an outside air intake for your furnace, venting of gas burning heaters and appliances, or installation of ventilating fans.