How to Stop Condensation on Windows

No one wants condensation on their windows. Not only is it a sign of heat loss in your home, but condensation also looks terrible, hinders the view out your window, and can damage the frame.

In this handy guide, we’re going to talk about window condensation from soup to nuts. We’ll explain how to stop condensation in its tracks and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Understanding Window Condensation

Before we can address condensation on windows, we have to define it and explain how it happens.

What Causes Condensation on Windows?

Condensation occurs when warm air from your home’s interior meets a colder window surface, causing water buildup on your window panes.

Is Window Condensation a Problem?

Absolutely. Condensation can cause a number of problems. For starters, condensation is an indication of heat loss, which can make the interior of your home cooler and force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a consistent interior temperature. Condensation also affects the views to the outside. Furthermore, excessive condensation can leak onto the window frames and cause irreparable damage.

How to Stop Condensation on Windows

The best way to keep condensation off your windows is to install quality window units while simultaneously keeping humidity low inside your home. Double-pane windows with Low-E glass coatings and gas between the panes are a great option. If you want to go the extra mile, you can install triple-pane windows with Low-E and gas between the panes for optimal energy performance.

However, if replacing your windows is not a viable option at the moment, there are steps you can take to stop condensation from collecting on your window.

Quick Fixes to Reduce Moisture

If you have a multi-pane window unit – either double- or triple-glazed – that’s showing signs of condensation on the pane that’s in contact with your interior space, you could have a leak

somewhere. Your best bet is to apply caulk or weatherstripping around the frame to keep the cold air out, although that won’t help if the issue is high humidity in your home.

If you do have high humidity, there are a few things you can do to combat it. Remove any plants that are near your windows, as their presence will increase the amount of moisture in the air. You can also turn on your dehumidifier, wipe away the condensation with a towel, or open the blinds or curtains.

However, if the condensation is occurring between the panes, then you have a seal failure. In that scenario, you need to replace your insulated glass unit.

Long-Term Solutions and Home Improvements

As noted above, if you’re serious about combatting condensation on your windows, you should install windows with top-notch energy efficiency. Many windows on the market today provide a remarkable energy performance that would have been unthinkable even 20 years ago. Between double glazing, triple glazing, Low-E, gas between the panes, and many other features, today’s windows are engineered to keep the interior space of your home at a comfortable level regardless of the season.

Of course, there are long-term ways to combat condensation on your existing windows. Condensation is sometimes caused by air leakage, so you can remedy that issue by placing caulk or weatherstripping around the frame.

Another solution is to make some slight adjustments to your routine around the house. Use the dishwasher and dryer less frequently. Better yet, ensure that any moisture generated by your appliances is removed from the home via a proper ventilation system.

But no matter how you get rid of condensation on your windows, it’s important that you maintain a consistent interior temperature in your home. This can be achieved by checking your HVAC system regularly to ensure it’s working properly; you can also install blinds and/or curtains to prevent your window panes from becoming too cold.

Best Solutions for Overnight and Winter Condensation

It’s particularly challenging to keep condensation from forming on your windows during two periods in particular: overnight and during the winter months. We have some solutions for you in the following sections.

How to Stop Condensation on Windows Overnight

Most of us are asleep at night, so we’re less likely to notice condensation forming during these hours. But don’t start putting the coffee on just yet – you can still get your sleep and stop condensation on windows overnight.

It helps to have the air in your house circulating. Toward that end, you may consider keeping your ceiling fans on overnight. If you don’t have any fans, you could open your windows for a few minutes before going to bed. Also, make sure your curtains and/or blinds are open before turning in for the night.

What’s more, it’s important to keep exhaust fans on while cooking dinner. Similarly, you should always turn on the exhaust fan in the bathroom while showering to stop your windows from steaming up.

Winter-Specific Condensation Prevention Tips

Those of you who live in cooler regions know that winter is the worst season for condensation. It’s the time when there’s the greatest contrast between interior and exterior temperatures. So, now the question is, “How to stop condensation on windows in winter?”

We’re glad you asked. As with any time of year, in winter it’s vitally important to keep your home at a consistent interior temperature. But there are also extra steps you sometimes need to take in winter to keep condensation from forming on your windows.

First of all, you should run your dehumidifier if you have one. A dehumidifier will not only keep humid air out of your space, it will also aid your HVAC system in maintaining a consistent temperature.

But if you’ve taken these and other steps and you still can’t keep condensation from appearing on your windows, you might consider getting some moisture absorbers and placing them on your window sills. You can find moisture absorbers, like DampRid or Arm & Hammer, at most hardware stores.

However, some people don’t like the idea of moisture absorbers on their window sills. If that’s the case, you could always go for a homier look and use a draft stopper to place on your window sills. Draft stoppers often come with decorative features that make them more aesthetically pleasing than container of DampRid or Arm & Hammer.

Advantages of Installing Premium Sunrise Windows

At the Sunrise Collection, we pride ourselves on designing windows and sliding patio doors that look good and perform well. Energy performance – which includes the prevention of condensation – is always a priority.

Advanced Features for Moisture Prevention

All Sunrise Collection products boast the 4SG Spacer System. This first-rate spacer has a seal that is nearly indestructible; plus, the spacer makes the interior panes warmer, which helps prevent the formation of condensation.

In addition, we have fiberglass reinforcements to reduce conductivity. And the Sunrise Collection offers triple weatherstripping on select products.

Energy Efficiency and Healthier Living Spaces

When you’re in the market for replacement windows, superior energy performance should always be a priority. At the Sunrise Collection, it’s our pleasure to manufacture products that help you save on your energy bills. Thanks to our 4SG Spacer System, each Sunrise Collection product offers top-notch energy performance. And that’s before you consider our numerous options, like high-performance Low-E and triple glazing.

At the end of the day, an energy-efficient home is a healthier living space. You have consistent interior temperatures, fewer pollutants from the outside, and less chance of having mold in your home. Moreover, you have peace of mind in knowing that you’re not paying exorbitant energy bills.

Your Next Step

Stop window condensation for good – go to sunrisecollection.com today to find your local Sunrise Certified Dealer.