Window Condensation in Ohio Winters
On cold mornings, water can bead or frost on the inside of windows. Some condensation is common in a Northeast Ohio winter; a lot of it is a sign to act.
Request a window installerWhy it happens
Warm, moist indoor air meets cold glass and the moisture condenses.
Indoor humidity
Showers, cooking, laundry and humidifiers all add moisture.
Ventilation
Run bath and kitchen fans that vent outside.
Humidifiers
Lower whole-house humidifier settings in very cold weather.
Air circulation
Open blinds and curtains during the day so air reaches the glass.
Old windows
Single-pane and older double-pane glass runs colder and sweats more.
Frames
Aluminum frames get very cold; vinyl, wood and fiberglass less so.
Damage
Constant condensation can stain sills, peel paint and rot wood.
Between the panes
If moisture is between panes, the seal has failed.
Next
See storm windows and energy upgrades.
Measure humidity
A simple hygrometer shows indoor humidity; lower it on the coldest days.
Plants and aquariums
Lots of plants or an aquarium near windows adds moisture.
Window coverings
Heavy drapes and tight blinds trap cold air against the glass, which raises condensation. Leaving a gap at the bottom or opening them each morning lets room air warm the glass.
When to get help
If condensation runs onto sills every morning, stains the drywall below or leaves mildew in corners, it's time to look at both humidity and the windows themselves. An installer can tell you whether the glass is part of the problem.
New windows
Newly installed windows sometimes show more condensation because the house is tighter. Running fans and lowering humidity usually solves it.
Outside condensation
Dew on the outside of glass on summer mornings is normal and actually shows the glass is insulating well.
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