Whether you have old windows, or just installed brand new replacement windows on your Orange, CA home, you might start to notice condensation on the glass as cold weather sets in. This condensation, the result of high humidity and low temperatures, can block the view, drip on the floor, and even freeze on the glass.
It’s tempting to blame your windows, but you shouldn’t as the condensation is simply a result of excess humidity. In fact, almost any kind of window, from wood and vinyl to aluminum, can develop condensation if the conditions are right. Keep reading to learn more about this issue, and what can be done about it.
- What is this condensation? Fog and water droplets that form on window glass are just a different version of the condensation that forms on the outside of a glass of iced tea in the summer. They both come from water vapor in the air, though the condensation on your windows can be much more annoying than on your iced tea.
- How does condensation form on windows? When outside temperatures go down, the warm air inside your house comes into contact with the cool glass surface on your windows. Since cold air holds less moisture than warm air, this contact makes the water vapor in the warm air quickly condense onto the cold glass.
- Do my windows cause the condensation? Windows do not cause condensation. Rather, the windows simply provide the cool surfaces necessary for water vapor to condense onto.
- Where does the moisture come from? The moisture needed inside your home for condensation to form can come from a few different places. When you sweat and breathe inside your home you are releasing moisture into the air. You are also creating more moisture when you cook, take a shower, or do laundry. In fact, every activity that uses water adds moisture to the air. Moisture in the home can also come from the home’s energy efficiency. For example, older homes are not as weather-tight as newer homes, and therefore allow in extra moisture from the outside.
- How can I tell if I have too much indoor humidity? Indoor moisture or humidity can manifest itself in other ways besides window condensation. Keep an eye out for damp spots on ceilings and room-side surfaces of exterior walls, particularly closets. When the weather gets cold, check the walls, windows and doors for water and ice. It’s important to be aware of these signs, as excess humidity is bad for your home.
- Is there anything I can do to my windows to eliminate or reduce condensation? If you have windows with single-pane glass, consider replacing them with windows that have double-pane glass with a low-e coating and argon gas filling. While these widow and glass types are not guaranteed to eliminate condensation, they should go a long way in reducing it.
If you have more questions on condensation at Orange, CA replacement windows, please reach out to Cunningham Doors & Windows by visiting 1940 E Edinger Ave Santa Ana, CA 92705, or calling (714) 258-2500.