Condensation occurs when warm air collides with cold surfaces, causing water droplets to form on interior windows. Most common in kitchens and bathrooms, condensation can increase the risk of mould growth and dampness (something we could all do without!).
While it won’t destroy your windows, condensation can ruin netting and become a nuisance during the colder months. So, what can you do to stop it? Today, we’ll tell you how to prevent condensation on windows and give you tips and tricks to ensure it doesn’t return.
How Do I Get Rid of Condensation on my Windows?
During the transition from Autumn to Winter, temperatures drop significantly. Many households begin using their central heating for the first time in months, and as this happens, condensation rears its ugly head.
Condensation can be caused by several factors, many out of our control. Simply breathing, showering, cooking, using washing machines, and even boiling the kettle can contribute to the water on our windows. So, what’s the solution? Learn how to prevent condensation on windows with our six handy hints and tips:
Check for Damaged Window Seals!
Double-glazed windows with damaged seals could allow water into your home: this process is called ‘exterior condensation’. If you’re experiencing problems with condensation, tears to your seal could be to blame.
Window seals can become damaged over time as you open and close them. However, if you’re cleaning with heavy-duty products, this abrasion can break down the rubber and cause irreparable damage.
Depending on your previous experience, you could reseal your damaged windows without external help. But we recommend getting the advice of a professional. If your double-glazed windows have been in use for 20 to 35 years, it might be time to replace them altogether and benefit from a renewed warranty. However, if your windows are new and you’re still experiencing condensation, avoid fixing them yourself. Contact the installers and make a claim if they are under warranty.
Invest in a Dehumidifier!
Condensation is a build-up of excess moisture: dehumidifiers remove moisture from your home by drawing warm air through its coils and feeding it through refrigerated fans. After using a dehumidifier, you’ll fully understand how to prevent condensation on windows. They draw out the moisture in the air, meaning you can use other household appliances without worrying about increased air temperature.
Another benefit of dehumidifiers is that powering one does not require much energy: around 0.48kWh. In 2023, this equates to around 17 pence! So while you will have to make the initial investment, you don’t have to worry about your energy bills skyrocketing. For the best results, place your dehumidifier overnight in the room most prone to condensation. But if you live in a small house and don’t want to hear it as you sleep, put your dehumidifier on a timer.
Improve Your Home’s Ventilation
Learn how to prevent condensation on windows by opening them! Crack your windows open for a few hours while you’re home, and get rid of as much moisture as possible. Even just 20 minutes a day could make the difference you need. As condensation is more severe during winter, opening your windows for lengthy periods may not be viable. So wrap up warm and let your misty windows breathe. However, this is a short-term solution to preventing condensation. If you’re looking for something more permanent, installing air bricks may be your best bet. Air bricks have small holes that increase air circulation.
Instead of opening your windows and freezing through the winter, the moisture build-up can escape through your new air bricks. You can also install window vents, roof ventilation tiles and air bricks to get a grip on your home’s moisture levels.
Keep Your Temperature Stable!
Heat fluctuations could also be contributing to your moisture build-up. Adjusting your central heating with no consistency will cause an unstable air temperature and make dampness and mould more likely. Knowing how to prevent condensation on windows means finding a sweet spot for your central heating. Preferably, find a low heat that will sufficiently warm the home without creating excess moisture. You won’t have to adjust your heating as frequently, stabilising the air temperature and preventing dampness over time.
Reduce Excess Moisture
Although a dehumidifier is excellent for reducing moisture, there are other ways to help. As we’ve learnt, condensation is most likely to occur in bathrooms, where using a shower or a bath will increase the air temperature and collide with cold surfaces.
Extractor fans are effective for reducing moisture before it becomes water vapour! They work by drawing the air from the room and expelling it outside before it settles on your surfaces. As well as bathrooms, you can also get extractor fans installed in your kitchens. Cooking involves a lot of scientific processes, such as burning, boiling and steaming. With each of these processes comes water vapour! Installing extractor fans in your kitchen will improve your ventilation tenfold. Not only will you reduce condensation, but any odours or grease will be removed from your home and released outside.
Drying your clothes indoors is another household task that messes with moisture levels. UK weather conditions are famously rainy, so using a washing line is often out of the question. Not to mention, tumble dryers can be a costly investment for many households. Leaving your clothes to dry on your radiators is a cost-effective way to get warm clothes quickly. However, this releases moisture into the air and contributes to a buildup of condensation.
Trap Humidity
When showering, cooking or doing any humidity-increasing activities, contain it in one room. Closing your bathroom door while showering will give your extractor fan time to remove all the moisture. Once done, keep the door shut for a couple of minutes until you can feel a change in the air temperature. If you’re busy cooking up a storm, the same advice applies. Seal yourself from the rest of the household and open a window to reduce moisture levels.
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