Window condensation, also known as fogged up windows, happens for many reasons. For example, you’ve probably noticed your mirror and bathroom windows fog up after you take a shower and that’s pretty normal. However, it shouldn’t happen to all your windows frequently. When your windows have frequent condensation, it’s generally a sign of excess humidity in your home.

Types of Window Condensation

There are three places your windows can get condensation – the inside, outside and between the panes of glass. Generally, you can ignore window condensation on the outside of your windows. It happens when the window is colder than the dew point. It should clear up as the temperature warms up. Condensation inside and between the glass condensation shouldn’t be ignored.

Condensation Between Glass Panes

Most of the time condensation between your window panes means the seal of the window has failed. Once moisture becomes trapped between the glass, there is almost no way to get it out and your only option is to contact your local window company for new windows. If the windows you have are relatively new, find out if they’re covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. The local window company who installed them should be able to help.

Interior Condensation

If you notice condensation on your windows in just a few places, you might not have an issue. For example, if it’s just your laundry room window and the dryer’s been running, it’s fairly normal. If you have a window with several plants in front of it and that window frequently has condensation, you might want to spread your plants out around your home. If you don’t, you may find that window and window sill end up with mold or mildew from the excess moisture.

However, interior condensation comes from excess humidity in your home and shows itself on windows when the window surface is colder than the air temperature. If all your windows have condensation, you have an issue, either with your windows or your home’s humidity level. There are some things you can do to reduce the condensation:

• Use exhaust fans while showering and cooking
• Check and replace weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors
• Open windows when outside temperatures allow to balance out humidity levels
• Set your fan on thermostat to ON
• Run a dehumidifier

If none of these options work for you, the best solution may be to talk to your local window company about replacement windows. If you have older windows that aren’t insulated or are drafty, there is little you can do to prevent the excessive condensation other than replacing them. Blair Windows and Doors is your local window company serving all of central Indiana. Our estimates are always free so call today – 317-356-4666.