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Condensation |
| | | Understanding Condensation and Humidity | | |
Condensation is a direct result of interior humidity and the difference between indoor and outside air temperature. If you keep the humidity in your house low, then the likelihood of experiencing condensation is also low. However, the efficiency of your window will also impact the temperature and humidity level at which condensation occurs. Energy efficient windows will help reduce condensation. Here's why: high performance windows with low U-factors result in inside glass surface temperatures much closer to the room air temperature. Windows with warm edge technologies and non-metal frames are also less likely to have condensation on the frame or at the edge of the glass. Insulated "superwindows" with three or more layers will virtually eliminate condensation on the interior surface of the glass -- even under extreme cold weather conditions.
Note that in certain conditions (humid mornings after a clear night sky), some superwindows may have dew on their outside surface. These windows are such good insulators, the dew is condensing there just like it does on an insulated wall.
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| | | Tips For Controlling Condensation Problems | | |
As winter approaches, our service department will get the first of it's annual flurry of telephone calls concerning condensation problems, perhaps the most common customer concern in the window industry. Once we turn on our heat, condensation starts and continues till spring. In the majority of the cases it's not the fault of the windows or doors. It is simply a case of too much moisture in the house.
Condensation is a matter of physics. When water in the air as a vapor hits a colder surface such as a window pane, condensation can occur. Condensation, then is the transformation of water from a gas or vapor state to a liquid as water droplets that appear on the window or as frost. Also the greater the temperature differences between inside air and outside air, the greater the chance for condensation. The problem is more noticeable in today's energy tight homes. The warm, moist air cannot escape as readily so it heads for the coldest spots in the house, which are usually the windows.
Windows do not cause condensation, therefore windows cannot cure condensation.
Here are some tips that will help reduce the problem:
1. When cooking and washing dishes, run the wall fan. Keep it on the entire time.
2. When taking a bath or shower, keep the door closed. If you have a bath ceiling fan, keep it running while in the shower and let it run for at least five minutes after you have finished. If you dont have a ceiling fan, leave the bath window slightly open.
3. Air your home out daily. Open one or two windows and let some fresh air in.
4. Do not use a humidifer, because it adds moisture to your home. Use a dehumidifier to control moisture in the air.
5. If you install a clothes dryer, make sure it is properly vented to the outside of the home.
6. If you have casements or awnings, remove the screens in the winter.
7. On very cold nights, keep the drapes or blinds open.
8. Run ceiling fans to keep the air circulating.
9. Many new homes have air exchange systems that control the humidity inside the house. |
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