Condensation is a natural condition that occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces. When the resulting air from the humid air and chilly surface cools down, water is released. The water turns into liquid droplets that become visible on the surface of your windows and doors, especially if they are made of glass. Condensation is more common during the winter season in homes where the house’s heating system is active during the colder hours of the morning and evening. If you observe condensation on the inside of your windows and doors, here are some of the likely reasons.
- Level of Moisture in the Air
One of the two necessary conditions for condensation to occur is the presence of moisture in the air. The air’s moisture level around the home is influenced by everyday activities like cooking, bathing, laundry, and breathing. During the cold season, when the indoor air is warmer, the home’s moisture level also increases, which leads to higher condensation on windows.
- Low Ventilation
When the home is not adequately ventilated, air cannot freely go in and out of the house, resulting in moisture buildup indoors. If you observe condensation on your windows and doors, it may be as a result of keeping them shut and, thereby, reducing ventilation. Opening the windows for a few minutes can reduce the level of warm air indoors and prevent condensation.
- Indoor Activities
On average, the steam from kitchens and bathrooms makes up for more than 50% of the air’s moisture around the home. Cooking and bathing produce a lot of steam and humidity. When there are no measures like humidifiers to keep this in check, and the moisture comes into contact with the cold surfaces of windows and doors, condensation occurs.
- Drying Clothes Indoors
Doing your laundry in the house can contribute to the warm air present in the home because of the moisture emitted into the air by the washing machine. If possible, always avoid drying your clothes indoors to prevent moisture from building up in the home.
- Poorly Insulated Walls
When the heat provided to the home is not enough to balance the temperature in the house and improve the temperature of the colder surfaces, there is a high possibility of condensation forming on your windows and doors. Insulated walls and double-glazed windows are known to prevent heat loss and reduce condensation on your windows.
When nothing is done to curb condensation, it can lead to molds’ growth on windows and doors, leading to health problems. If a damaged window is leading to higher condensation in your home, you should hire a professional windows and doors company for a replacement.
