Why condensation forms on windows and how to get rid of it
Miscellaneous / / April 05, 2023
Lifehacker has collected various ways - from simple to complex.
To begin with, it is worth carefully studying in which areas of the window moisture is localized. If condensation collects on the glass inside the structure, then the problem may be in improper installation or defects in the double-glazed window. In this case, it is worth contacting the company that installed your windows. The specialist will assess the situation and figure out if the rules were violated during installation or if you were sold a defective design. After that, you may have to replace the double-glazed window with another one.
If drops of liquid fall out from the outside of the window, then there may be more reasons. And ways to fix the problem too.
Why does condensation form on windows?
Windows may fog up because at this moment the room is very humid. A boiling kettle and pots on the stove, a large amount of laundry to dry, steam from the bathroom - all this affects humidity level in the apartment. The reason can also be abundantly watered flowers on the windowsill or aquarium.
In a poorly ventilated room, sources of excess moisture lead to the accumulation of water on the window profile, slopes and in the corners of the opening. A properly functioning hood is always important. If the ventilation duct is clogged with dust and debris, then the ventilation efficiency is greatly reduced.
In some cases, the appearance of water droplets is affected by a wide window sill or ill-conceived rearrangement window opening. This disrupts the convection of warm air masses, the windows do not heat up properly, so the steam on them cools down.
How to get rid of condensation on windows
Some of these methods help to eliminate the cause of moisture, others are only suitable for a temporary solution to the problem. Try them one by one until you find something that suits you.
Eliminate the source of high humidity
Redistribute sources of moisture in different rooms, this is especially important when cooking in the kitchen. If people are the only source, then window must be covered with water. But if the liquid still appears on the double-glazed window, then the reason is different.
Change the curtains
In winter, the batteries do not need to be hidden behind layers of fabric - this affects the distribution of warm air throughout the room. It is better to use short curtains from dense material. It is unlikely that this will help to get rid of the condensate completely, but it is worth checking this point as well.
Normalize ventilation
Ventilation is an effective method of dealing with indoor condensation. Humid air in the room should be replaced by drier air, which will lead to a natural decrease in moisture concentration.
In frosts, it is important to do short-term ventilation. close interior doors and open windows for a few minutes. During this time, most of the moisture will have time to go outside, while the room will not cool too much.
To eliminate condensation, it is also worth checking the operation of the ventilation system using a thin sheet of paper. Bring it to the grate on the wall. If the paper is attracted, there is no problem, and if it does not hold or deviates to the other side, then the mine definitely needs to be cleaned.
Only the management company of your house can carry out a complete cleaning of the ventilation shaft in the building. You need to contact this organization with your problem. You can independently put in order only a small part, which is connected with a common mine.
To do this, it is advisable to remove the ventilation grill and rinse it. Then, with a rag and a vacuum cleaner, remove the dirt from the clogged ventilation duct leading to the apartment. Put the grid back in place.
Raise the temperature of cold surfaces
Double-glazed windows in most buildings are located next to heating radiators, which are usually installed under windows. Such a place was chosen specifically so that warm air would rise and warm the window opening, and then the rest of the room.
Perhaps you have installed too wide window sills that cover windows from batteries. In this case, ventilation grilles can be built into the surface of the window sills by making the appropriate holes. Or change the window sill itself to a smaller version in order to restore heat access from the radiator to the window opening.
Modify or replace glass
A rather difficult option is to replace the glass, replacing them with new ones with a heat-saving effect. This will help in the fight against condensate, but will cost the most. The simpler method involves installing a valve. It will automatically maintain constant air circulation. At the same time, the sound insulation and the effect of heat preservation of the plastic bag will not be violated, although this depends on the literacy of the embedding of the structure.
Valves can be mounted immediately when installing new windows or integrated into ready-made structures. In addition to window valves, there are also supply valves that are placed inside walls. They will also help in the fight against condensate without manipulating the double-glazed windows.
To avoid problems with the installation of valves, it is better to entrust it to a finishing work specialist.
Use a dehumidifier
This is a temporary measure that will help get rid of excess moisture and the consequences of its effects, but will not eliminate the cause of its occurrence. If you decide to use such a device, look for a condensation model. It is important to take into account the volume of your room and correlate it with that indicated in the characteristics of the device.
A dehumidifier draws air from a room, passes it through a filter, removes dust, and then cools it down. Moisture condenses inside the device and enters the water collection tank. A dry stream enters the outside.
What to buy
- Dehumidifier Ballu BD10U for 17 m², 8,990 rubles →
- Dehumidifier NeoClima ND‑10AH for 16 m², 10,499 rubles →
- Dehumidifier Zanussi ZDH‑12L for 18 m², 9,990 rubles →
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