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Condensation that causes window fogging is a common problem in many households. Not only does this moisture accumulation lead to mold growth, but it can also cause wood decay and other household issues. The key to preventing foggy windows is to manage humidity levels, regulate temperature, and promote airflow, while also keeping cold air out of the house.
Steps to Take
Lower Humidity Inside the House
Install a Hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure the humidity in the air. Condensation happens when moisture in the air collects on cold surfaces such as window glass, so tracking indoor humidity can help prevent it. When humidity levels are too high, steps must be taken to reduce it.
- If the outdoor temperature drops below -18°C: maintain indoor humidity levels between 15% and 25%.
- If the outdoor temperature ranges from -18°C to 4°C: keep indoor humidity between 25% and 40%.
Use Exhaust Fans and Ventilators Inside the House. One of the best ways to remove moisture from the house is through ventilation with exhaust fans. Exhaust fans are especially important in rooms with moisture-producing devices.
- Turn on the exhaust fan and ventilation openings while showering. Let the fan run for at least 20 minutes after showering.
- Use the exhaust fan in the kitchen and oven fan while cooking. Leave the fan running for about 15 minutes after cooking.
- Ensure the dryer vent leads outside when drying clothes.
- Gas-powered heaters should have a chimney leading outside, and always open the air vent when using a wood-burning stove.
Take Plants Outside. Indoor plants look beautiful, but if your windows are fogging up, it's best to take your plants outside whenever possible. Plants release moisture into the air, which can worsen the issue if left inside.
- If you have a sunroom, you can place the plants there.
Dry Clothes Outside. Another reason for increased humidity indoors is clothes that haven't dried yet. If you need to hang clothes on a line, it’s best to take them outside to prevent moisture from evaporating and adding more humidity inside.
- If you must dry clothes indoors, place them in a well-ventilated room and open the doors or windows.
Close the Bathroom Door While Showering. One major contributor to increased indoor humidity is showering or bathing, as well as cooking. When showering or bathing, close the bathroom door to prevent steam and moisture from spreading to other rooms in the house. When cooking, keep the kitchen door closed to contain the humidity inside.
- When showering or cooking in a closed room, open the window to allow the moisture to escape outside.
Cover the Pot While Cooking. Another effective way to minimize moisture while cooking is by covering the pot to trap steam inside. This is especially crucial when steaming or boiling food.
- When lifting the pot lid, take it to an open window, and make sure to turn on the exhaust fan.
Turn off the humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can cause water droplets to accumulate on windows. When humidity levels are high indoors, turn off all humidifiers, including those attached to the heater.
Use a dehumidifier. In contrast to a humidifier, a dehumidifier is designed to remove moisture from the air, making it an excellent appliance for homes prone to condensation. You can install a dehumidifier for the whole house or use a portable one that can be moved between rooms.
- Regularly empty the water tray or tank on the dehumidifier to prevent moisture from returning to the air.
Control the temperature
Maintain an appropriate indoor temperature. Controlling indoor humidity is crucial to manage condensation. Water vapor only condenses when it encounters a cold surface. Therefore, keeping walls and windows warm is necessary. In colder months, use a heater to raise the temperature indoors, especially when humidity starts to rise.
- Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity. If it exceeds 50%, take action to reduce the humidity and raise the temperature until it drops below 50%.
Seal gaps with tape. This method will prevent cold air from entering and cooling the walls and windows. Sealing gaps with tape not only saves energy but also helps prevent condensation.
- Apply sealing tape to doors and windows to block cold air from entering through joints and window frames.
Seal cracks around windows and doors. Cracks and gaps are other areas where cold air can enter your home. You can use sealant to close the spaces around windows and doors, keeping the walls and windows insulated from the cold.
- To seal the gaps, you'll need a glue gun and a new tube of adhesive. After applying the glue, smooth it into the crack with a knife or your finger.
Install a heat recovery ventilation system. This is a heat exchange device combined with a ventilation fan. Although it can be quite expensive, this system helps reduce energy consumption, saving you on costs. Not only does it increase indoor temperatures, but it also helps prevent condensation.
Install storm windows on the outside. Another method to prevent condensation is to keep windows warm. You can achieve this by installing storm windows or replacing single-pane windows with double or triple-glazed ones.
- Though costly, replacing or adding storm windows improves energy efficiency in the home, leading to savings on your electricity bill.
Improve ventilation and air circulation
Open doors and windows. When it comes to reducing humidity indoors, the final piece of the puzzle is increasing ventilation and air circulation. The easiest and most affordable way to do this is by opening doors and windows when the weather permits.
- For the most effective ventilation, open windows that are opposite each other in the same room to create a natural airflow.
Open the curtains. Opening the curtains and blinds allows for better air circulation through the window, helping to dry the moisture on the glass and prevent condensation.
- The optimal time to open the windows and curtains is on sunny days, when the sunlight and warmth assist in drying the moisture.
Use fans to promote air circulation. Standing fans, oscillating fans, and ceiling fans are all great options to enhance air circulation inside the home. These fans not only help reduce humidity but also evenly distribute warm air in winter and create a cooling breeze during the summer.
- During summer, set the ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise. In winter, reverse the direction to clockwise to circulate the heat more efficiently.
