Window condensation is unsightly to be sure, and it could be even more problematic to your home. The moisture from the condensation can, if neglected, cause rotting to wood window frames or wood moulding and even weaken the plaster of your home. It could cause issues with mold or mildew as well.

But many homeowners, unfortunately, see window condensation as an inevitable part of winter weather. This simply isn’t true. Window condensation is caused when the cold air from outside meets the warm air inside your home, which can be avoided if you have more energy efficient windows that block air leakage. In the meantime, here are a few solutions to get rid of window condensation in your home:

Use Fans

Sometimes condensation inside of your windows can occur in bathrooms and kitchens due to the heat that comes from showering and cooking. Because the room is hotter than usual, the air that meets the windows is warmer and can cause fogging, much like breathing on the windows of a cold car. You can keep this to a minimum by using a fan over the stove while you cook or a bathroom fan while you shower. The fan will cool the air, allow it to circulate, and keep moisture to a minimum. Even outside of these rooms, you can rotate fans clockwise to move warm air away from the ceiling and back towards the floor.

Check Your Seal

If you’re dealing with window condensation, there’s a good chance that some of it comes down to a poor seal on your windows. If your windows are poorly sealed, it allows more cold air to get in, thus mixing with the warm air on the glass and causing condensation. You can fix this by going over the caulking that seals your windows and sealing any cracks. If you don’t notice anything obvious but you suspect you might have a seal issue, test it by holding a lit candle to the window. If the flame pulls in a particular direction, that means your window’s seal is faulty.

Replace Old Windows

Sometimes the problem is simply that the window is too old and is no longer as functional as it once was. Old windows are often more prone to air leakage and drafts and, yes, window condensation. They can also be more unsightly in the face of window condensation, particularly if you have wood frames. If you’re dealing with old windows, your best bet is to replace them with more airtight windows that keep out window condensation.

Need help finding new windows for your home? Mainstream Home Improvements offers energy efficient windows in a number of shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect replacement window for your home. Contact us today for more information or a free quote.