Introduction
Are your windows fogging up with condensation during the heating season as outdoor temperatures drop? If so, you're not the only one. Condensation on windows is a common issue in areas where below-freezing winter temperatures are the norm.
The reason boils down to modern house construction. Because new homes are much better sealed than they used to be, natural ventilation to the outdoors is much lower than in their drafty predecessors.
So how does this lead to window condensation? It all comes down to the relative humidity of the air. Ideally, it should hover around 50 to 55 percent. If it's higher — say, 60 or 70 percent — your windows will become dehumidifiers and condense water from the warm, moist indoor air until the relative humidity drops.
Window condensation indicates poor indoor air quality. If left unchecked, it can lead to mold, mildew, structural damage and health issues. We'll answer some common questions about this unwanted moisture, then tell you how to avoid and remove it.
For this article I consulted my father-in-law, Walenty Bednarksi, who earns his living testing indoor air quality and tackling the installations to improve it.
Does a cold house cause condensation?
"Not entirely, but it's a contributing factor," says Bednarski. "Colder indoor air is closer to the dew point." That means the air can no longer hold water vapor, which condenses into liquid.
Colder indoor space also means your windows will be colder, speeding the air toward the dew point.
What's the fastest way to remove condensation from your windows?
Increase ventilation in your home and crank up the heat.
Should you wipe condensation off your windows?
Yes. "The longer condensation remains on the windows, the more likely mold and mildew will start growing," Bednarski says. However, that still doesn't address poor ventilation.
What temperature should I keep my house to prevent condensation?
As warm as you comfortably can. Warmer indoor air means warmer window glass, and warm glass won't cool indoor air as quickly. That reduces the likelihood water vapor will condense.
Does vinegar keep condensation off windows?
No. "Vinegar can help clear away water marks and mold caused by condensation," Bednarski says, "but it does absolutely nothing to stop it from forming in the first place."
When to call a pro
Consider calling a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) installation pro if opening windows, running exhaust fans and keeping your home warmer doesn't solve the problem. HRV's bring in fresh outdoor air, preheating it with the warmth from your home before getting rid of moist indoor air.
"Even though they're not cheap
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