As the cold weather starts to set in, you might be noticing an increase in condensation on your sash windows. Condensation is not just an irritation, it can also have an impact on your health and the lifespan of your windows, particularly timber-framed ones. Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce or prevent condensation on your windows.
What Causes Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cold surface. Rapid cooling of the air results in a build-up of moisture on the cold surface which is why window glass is a commonplace in the home for condensation to occur, particularly in rooms with excess moisture like your kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.
Why is Condensation Bad?
Condensation can create the perfect environment for black mould to grow in your home. Having damp and mould in your home increases your risk of respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma, as well as impacting your immune system.
Excessive moisture on the inside of your windows can also reduce the lifespan of your windows, particularly in older timber frames. Mould and damaged window frames also look unappealing, as well as potentially reducing the value of your home.
How to Reduce and Prevent Condensation on your Windows.
Ventilation is a very effective way of reducing condensation in your home by lowering the humidity of the air. Windows should be opened for at least 20 minutes each day (even in winter!) to allow dry air to circulate. It’s especially important to open windows during activities that increase moisture, such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes.
However, opening your windows on a cold winter morning isn’t the most appealing idea! Thankfully, ventilation isn’t the only answer to your condensation concerns.
Extractor Fans
Extractor fans remove damp air before it has a chance to settle, preventing it from circulating through your home. Get in the habit of turning your extractor fan on every time you cook or shower, or installing extractor fans in your home.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers work by removing the moisture from the air and replacing it with dry air. Placing one or two dehumidifiers around your home will greatly reduce the moisture in the air, and therefore reduce condensation. Moving them around your home depending on activity is also a good idea. For example, we recommend placing a dehumidifier in your bedroom while you sleep, as breathing creates a lot of excess moisture (up to 40g of water vapour each night!)
Image Source: homeairmachine.com
See the Which guide on the Best Dehumidifiers
Closing Doors
It may seem counterintuitive, but trapping moisture in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens after showering or cooking can localise condensation and reduce the circulation of moist air throughout your home. Combined with extractor fans or a dehumidifier, closing off rooms can greatly reduce condensation in other areas of the house.
Can condensation on windows be prevented?
Double glazed windows can help to prevent condensation by increasing the temperature of the interior window glass. Secondary glazing (installing additional glazing on the inside of an existing single-glazed window) will also achieve this but can cause further issues. The gap between the panes of glass needs to be airtight and filled with gas or a vacuum, which cannot be achieved with secondary glazing. This can result in condensation on the original window, that cannot be easily wiped away as it is behind the secondary glazing!
The best way to get rid of condensation on your windows is to replace your old windows with new uPVC double glazed sash windows or casement windows. Here at UFIT Sash Windows, our professional team makes the process of replacing your windows as painless as possible. We’re always happy to discuss your requirements and find the best solution for you. Get in touch for a no-obligation quote today.
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