If you’ve notice condensation on your double or triple glazed windows, don’t panic. There’s nothing wrong with the windows. Most people assume that the wetness is from outside but it is actually coming from inside your house.
Many people often assume that condensation on their windows is due to a fault with the windows. However, the real culprit is usually excess moisture in the room.
Mould is largely a modern problem as homes are built to be energy efficient. If you’re old enough to remember before double glazing, those draughty windows and ill fitting doors actually allowed for more air flow which helped to dry moisture in the air.
This moisture can come from various sources, such as logs or new furniture, where the wood or materials are still drying out and releasing moisture into the air.
When this humid air comes into contact with the cooler surface of the windows, it condenses, forming droplets. Understanding that the problem often lies within the room itself can help homeowners address the root cause of condensation more effectively, rather than mistakenly attributing it to the windows.
9 Tips for Avoiding or Reducing Condensation
Logs and New Furniture
If using logs, always store them outside somewhere they can dry before bringing them inside. Freshly cut or damp logs contain a significant amount of moisture, which can be released into the air, causing higher humidity levels and subsequent condensation on windows. To prevent this, store logs outside in a well-ventilated, covered area where they can dry out thoroughly. Only bring dry logs inside, minimising the amount of moisture introduced to your indoor environment. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of condensation forming on your windows.
Improve Ventilation
Open a window or door on a daily basis to ensure your house airs. Regularly opening a window or door is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce condensation in your home. By allowing fresh air to circulate, you can significantly lower indoor humidity levels and prevent the build-up of moisture that leads to condensation on windows.
Aim to open windows or doors for at least 10-15 minutes each day, especially in areas prone to high humidity like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. This practice helps to replace stale, moisture-laden air with drier, fresh air from outside, maintaining a balanced indoor environment and reducing the risk of condensation.
Even during colder months, a brief period of ventilation can make a big difference in keeping your home dry and comfortable.
Trickle Vents
Using trickle vents is a highly effective way to manage indoor air quality and reduce condensation without the need for large openings. Trickle vents are small, built-in openings usually found at the top of window frames. They allow a small amount of fresh air to enter your home continuously, ensuring a steady flow of ventilation even when windows are closed.
By promoting constant air circulation, trickle vents help to balance humidity levels, preventing the accumulation of moisture that leads to window condensation. They are particularly beneficial in maintaining air quality during colder months when opening windows wide is less desirable. Easy to operate and adjustable, trickle vents provide a simple and unobtrusive solution for improving your home’s ventilation and reducing condensation risks.
Mechanical Ventilation
If you don’t have or want trickle vents, you could consider mechanical ventilation. If you’re wondering what this is, think about the typcial ventaxia type of vent that you’ve probably seen in kitchens or bathrooms. Modern versions are smaller and sit neatly in a room on the wall and are no more intrusive that a light swith.
Mechanical ventilation systems are a modern alternative to trickle vents for improving the air quality inside buildings. While trickle vents are small openings that let air in passively, mechanical ventilation uses fans to actively move fresh air into the building and stale air out. This means you can control how much air comes in and goes out, making your home more comfortable. These systems often have filters that remove dust and allergens, helping to keep the air cleaner. They’re especially useful in newer homes that are built to be airtight.
Extractor Fans
Make use of the kitchen and bathroom extractor fans and keep them on for longer. Kitchen and bathroom extractor fans are essential tools in the fight against condensation. These fans are designed to remove excess moisture and steam generated during cooking, showering, and bathing, which are prime contributors to indoor humidity.
To maximise their effectiveness, ensure that you use these fans every time you cook or bathe and keep them running for at least 15-20 minutes after you finish. This extended operation allows the fans to thoroughly expel moisture-laden air, preventing it from settling on cold surfaces and forming condensation.
Regular maintenance of these fans, such as cleaning the filters and ensuring they are functioning correctly, can improve their efficiency. By making full use of your kitchen and bathroom extractor fans, you can significantly reduce indoor humidity levels and keep your windows free from condensation.
Blinds & Curtains
Opening blinds and curtains is a simple yet effective way to prevent condensation on your windows. When blinds and curtains are closed for extended periods, they can trap warm, moist air between the fabric and the windowpane.
This trapped air cools and condenses on the glass, leading to the formation of water droplets. By opening your blinds and curtains regularly, you allow air to circulate freely against the windows, reducing the likelihood of moisture accumulation. This practice is particularly important in the mornings, after overnight humidity has had the chance to build up. Ensuring that air can move freely around your windows helps to equalise temperatures and dissipate moisture, keeping your windows clear and your home dry.
Plants on Window Sills
Move plants from window sills or at least, be aware of how much and when you water them. Plants can be a surprising source of excess moisture in your home, especially when placed on window sills. The soil and foliage release water vapour into the air, which can contribute to higher humidity levels around your windows.
This moisture can then condense on the cooler glass surfaces, leading to condensation. To mitigate this, consider moving your plants away from window sills to other areas of the room where they can still thrive without impacting your windows.
If you prefer to keep plants on the sills, be mindful of how much and when you water them. Overwatering increases the amount of moisture released into the air. Water your plants in the morning to give the moisture time to dissipate throughout the day, and ensure you are not overwatering them. Using saucers under pots can also help contain excess water and prevent it from evaporating into the room.
Moisture Absorbers
Moisture absorbers that sit on window sills are a practical and cost-effective solution for managing excess condensation. These compact devices are designed to soak up moisture that tends to drip onto window sills, preventing the build-up of water which can lead to mold and mildew growth. They typically contain desiccant materials like silica gel or activated charcoal, which are highly effective at absorbing water vapour from the air. These absorbers can be palced on your window sills and should attract the excess moisture.
Dehumidifiers
If all else fails or you cannot avoid the condensation, then maybe a dehumidifier is the best solution. It’s an extra cost item but if you must bring logs in or can’t wait weeks for new furniture to dry out, then a dehunidifier may be the answer.
Using a dehumidifier is an effective way to tackle window condensation in your home. A dehumidifier works by pulling moisture out of the air, which helps reduce the amount of water that collects on your windows. By lowering the humidity levels indoors, it prevents the formation of droplets that can lead to mould and mildew. All you need to do is plug it in and let it run; most models have settings to adjust how much moisture they remove. This makes it a great solution for keeping your rooms dry and comfortable, especially during colder months when window condensation is more common.
Salt on a Plate
Salt is highly absorbent. It may be an old wives tale but it might be worth trying before you spend money. Some folk swear by putting a plate of salt on the window sill. Using salt on a plate is a simple and inexpensive method to absorb condensation from windows. Salt naturally attracts moisture from the air, making it an effective tool for reducing humidity levels and preventing water droplets from forming on your windows.
All you need to do is place a shallow plate or bowl filled with salt on your window sill. Apparently, when the salt starts to blacken, it’s reached it’s maximum level of saturation and should be changed. You cna use your imagination to make it look decorative.
