When matter’s physical state changes from gas to liquid, it’s called condensation. In other words, condensation happens when the water vapor in the air becomes liquid water. This is what you observe on the surface of a glass of cold water left in a warm environment. It’s also what you might see on the surface of your lovely casement windows. Which one depends on the season.
Summer Condensation
In the summer, you might observe condensation forming on the outdoor surface of your windows. You don’t have to worry if this happens to your windows or on the glass of your exterior doors. Summer condensation on fenestrations is typically only visual in most cases. Your windows are not damaged and the condensation will not affect your indoor environment.
As a matter of fact, if you have replacement windows installed by Renewal by Andersen® of Kansas City, your window technician will likely tell you about summer condensation and that it’s only normal. This is because moisture quickly builds up when the temperature inside your air-conditioned home is significantly lower than the outdoor temperature. Your windows are the coldest surface on your home, so condensation appears on their outdoor side, particularly around the edges.
Winter Condensation
Winter condensation is quite different. It occurs on the indoor side of your windows and that’s bad news. It can easily lead to mold growth, which is a health problem, and water damage, which is a structural issue.
When condensation appears on the indoor side of your windows during winter, it means your windows are not doing much to control the transfer of the outdoor temperature to the inside of your home.
How to Minimize Condensation
You can minimize condensation by installing energy-efficient windows that effectively prevent the transfer of temperatures between the outdoor and indoor environments.
Other steps you can take include not storing firewood indoors and removing some of your houseplants, especially the big ones. If there are plants, keep them in an area of your home that gets the most sunlight. Don’t water them too much.
Don’t keep your blinds or drapes closed, and improve your indoor air circulation by using fans. Your exhaust vans should vent outside, and so should your clothes dryer and all your appliances that use gas.
Set your humidifier to the recommended winter settings. If condensation still forms on your windows, turn it off.
At Renewal by Andersen of Kansas City, a trusted window company, we can give you more advice regarding winter window condensation issues. Get in touch with us for your window or patio door replacement needs. Call (913) 385-1300 or tell us about your project here. We’re ready to help you in Kansas City, MO.
