Condensation occurs when there’s too much humidity inside your home or warm air meets cold surfaces, which usually happens with windows. Warm air usually comes from your heating system and daily activities such as cooking, drying, and showering.
Condensation occurs when there’s too much humidity inside your home or warm air meets cold surfaces, which usually happens with windows. Warm air usually comes from your heating system and daily activities such as cooking, drying, and showering.
While droplets of water seem harmless, it can actually cause black mold on your walls, windows, and ceiling. This will eventually lead to serious health issues, such as skin diseases and bronchitis. At Renewal by Andersen® of Houston, we can help you deal with it with these tips:
Avoid drying clothes inside the house
Whenever possible, dry clothes outside to prevent excessive moisture inside your house. Use a washing machine with vented tumble dryer followed by a condenser tumbler dryer. If you have a dehumidifier, then you can simply close the window while drying clothes.
Replace windows
In case cleaning the windows does not work,consider replacing your windows. Invest in insulated window replacement and open them for brief periods several times a day to let air circulate inside your home. Storm windows are also good replacements as they help reduce condensation on interior windows and, at the same time, reduce frost buildup in winter.
At Renewal by Andersen, we offer window replacements with Low-E4® glass, which is 45% more energy efficient and 56% more energy-efficient in winter.
Monitor moisture levels in your house
Invest on a hygrometer that measures moisture levels in the air. Tracking the humidity level in your home can help you stop condensation immediately. Keep the humidity in your house between 15-25% when the temperature outside is lower than zero. Once the temperature outside is between zero and 40F, humidity in your house should be 25-40%.
Turn down the humidifier
Most houses, especially ones with nursery rooms have humidifiers installed. These are designed to increase moisture in the air and can cause condensation on double hung windows. Try turning down the humidifier, including the one attached to the furnace, if any. If possible, use a dehumidifier instead.
Use extractor fan in the bathroom and kitchen
Have you noticed droplets of water on the mirror after getting out of the shower? That’s moisture released in the air when the hot water evaporates. Consider wiping down any wet surface inside the bathroom or kitchen after washing with cloth. For more efficient drying, you may also use an extractor fan with high capacity for airflow. Run it while you are taking a bath or cooking and continue running for an hour after. Make sure you close the doors while using the fan to prevent the moisture from spreading to other rooms.
For a free inspection and more tips on dealing with condensation, call us at (877) 533-6610. Our services are available in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.
