Window Condensation: Why It Happens and How to Fix it

With changes in weather, you may have noticed water beading on the inside or outside of your windows. Inside condensation is caused by humidity in the home and is more frequent in winter months. Exterior condensation is caused by cooler temperatures inside the home and high heat and humidity outside. Excess moisture, in either case, is drawn to cooler surfaces. Window condensation is usually not a cause for concern, but there are some cases when this may indicate that it is time for a replacement.

Why Does Condensation Happen?

Interior condensation is caused by high humidity inside the home. This is usually more of an issue in the kitchen or bathroom. Everyday tasks like taking showers, doing the dishes, running a load of clothes through the washer, and boiling water can all cause humidity to rise. While most smaller areas like bathrooms have fans and vents to help reduce humidity, larger areas in the home frequently do not. This can cause moisture to be trapped inside and then condense on your windows.

Exterior window condensation can happen in warmer, summer months. This type of condensation happens most frequently when you run your air conditioning. The windows are cooled by the air temperature inside the home and the warm air on the outside, when it hits the windows, causes water to collect.

What Does Window Condensation Mean?

If your windows are appearing wet, you may think that this is caused by faulty windows. This is usually not the case. New windows are more likely to show condensation than older ones because they are more airtight. Older windows are less efficient and when older windows leak air into the home, this can cause condensation to evaporate. New windows do not leak air and the condensation may be more apparent on them.

By identifying if the moisture is on the inside or the outside of the window, you can tell if your humidity inside is too high or if it is simply the case of outside moisture in the air. One way to tell if you have inside or outside condensation is to simply run a finger along the inside of the window where the water appears.

Should I Worry About Window Condensation?

Most of the time when condensation forms, it is not an indication that something is wrong. Once the air has time to circulate, or when the sun warms up the glass, it should disappear. You should however get your windows checked if you see rot, mold, or mildew around them or if you notice damp walls with stains, peeling wallpaper, or blistering paint. These are a few indications that the indoor air is too humid and needs to be addressed.

Another thing to look for is if the condensation is in between the panes of your window glass. Double-paned windows are sealed with an inert gas between the panes to make them more energy-efficient. Over time, the seal on the window can fail, the inert gas can start to leak out, and normal air can get in between the panes along with water vapor. While this fog may not be there all the time, it is an indication that your windows are not insulating as they should be. This can cause higher energy bills that can get worse over time.

Better Windows mean Less Condensation

While there are many steps you can take to reduce condensation inside your home like using a dehumidifier or increasing interior air circulation, it may be time to replace your windows with newer, more energy-efficient ones. There are many windows that not only can help you conserve energy but also have high-tech finishes and coatings that can help reduce the temperature transfer that causes condensation. Replacement windows from Window World of Tucson can not only help reduce condensation, but they can also reduce your heating and cooling bills and increase the value of your property. We offer both in-home and virtual free consultations and with our 25 years of experience, we can help you diagnose the problem and find the best options for your replacement windows. 

If you have a problem with window condensation, contact Window World of Tucson today.