If you're not a building contractor or very energy-efficiency aware, you may not know that condensation on the insides of your windows can signal a problem. Although moisture condenses through a natural process onto the pane of glass, window condensation isn't considered normal in today's world of modern, eco-friendly design. In fact, it's viewed as something that can and should generally be avoided. Here are a few reasons why.
Window condensation is a sign of excessively humid air
The droplets of water on the window pane condense there out of the air when the air gets too close to the cold surface and loses its ability to hold water. What this means is that your indoor air contains more moisture than colder air is capable of holding. By itself, this doesn't necessarily mean that humidity levels are problematically high, especially if condensation occurs only during extreme cold spells, but it does mean you should at least check your humidity levels to see whether they need altering. If so, a dehumidifier or two may be in order.
Window condensation can mean your window seals are broken
If you have single-paned windows, condensation can collect much more easily. Double-paned windows not only offer two panes of glass rather than one to stave off the winter cold but also (since glass itself isn't very good at insulating) have an insulatory layer of inert gas sealed between the panes. Inert gas is better at insulating than plain air would be, so if the seal breaks and the inert gas escapes, your window will start leaking energy faster. This means the window will also be more likely to start collecting condensation faster because it'll be colder. So if you have a double-paned window that collects more condensation than it used to (or than the others do), you may need to get the seal repaired or buy a replacement window.
Window condensation can destroy your window frames
If your window has a lot of condensation, the droplets can trickle down and off the pane, allowing them to access the windowsill or the walls of your house. This can lead to water damage that can, if not discovered and halted fast enough, be quite expensive. You may even need a new window frame, thus requiring you to replace the entire window.
Window condensation encourages mold and mildew
Mold can occur when your wall and window frames collect water droplets. And even on the window itself, mildew may occur if it's damp enough often enough. Mold and mildew are not only unsightly and a hazard to your health, but they can also require costly remediation.
These are just a few of the reasons why reducing the condensation on your window panes is a good idea. Whether you do this by insulating the windows themselves, replacing single-paned windows with the double-paned variety, or working on your air quality, keeping your windows condensation free is a good goal to shoot for.
