Condensation and Your Windows
The issue of condensation on windows affects many Canadians, whether in the office or at home. Temperature differences and excessive moisture are the main culprits here. To makes things worse, Canada’s highly varied climate works to exacerbate the issue of temperature differences.
In most cases, condensation occurs during the winter season, when inside air is humid and warm and outside air is cold and dry. On the other hand, when people use their air conditioning system to counter heat, condensation can occur during the summer season – the opposite of the above.
This form of moisture is normally harmless, even though it’s does tend to be quite annoying. It actually shows that the windows are effectively keeping air from leaking, by forming a good seal. However, if you find any condensation forming in between the window panes, then you might have something to worry about.
It’s impossible for even the most reliable window cleaners to keep condensation from forming on your windows, even though they are capable of removing a variety of nasty stuff from the windows, such as stubborn water stains and dirt, among others. Read on below for a few simple and effective tips on how to keep condensation from forming on your windows.
Reduce Humidity Levels
While they can cause some respiratory conditions to get worse, or trigger allergies, some people combat dry air using humidifiers. On the flip side, condensation can form as a result of high levels of humidity. Furthermore, the air can get a little uncomfortable or even feel somewhat heavy as a result of too much humidity.
Humidity levels ranging between 30 and 50 percent are considered to be ideal by most experts. To reduce condensation, it is recommended that you turn the humidifier down – including the one on your furnace – to these ideal levels.
Dehumidify The Air
You can remedy the situation by using a dehumidifier, if you find that the air is still damp even when you are not using a humidifier. Check the features of the appliance before using it. Depending on the humidity of the surroundings, some dehumidifiers activate automatically. However, you might need to manually activate and deactivate some models or use a timer.
Use An Air To Air Exchanger
An air-to-air exchanger is another useful appliance that can help you minimize the formation of condensation on windows. This appliance sends indoor air out while bringing outdoor air in. The appliance also removes moisture and pollutants from the air, in the process.
To ensure that it produces the desires results, it is essential that you get an air-to-air exchanger that matches the requirements of the intended application, just like a humidifier and dehumidifier.
Boost The Circulation of Air
To reduce humidity, sometimes all you need is a fan to properly circulate indoor air. You can even achieve great results with a strategically located pedestal fan. In the meantime, your ceiling fan should be moving in a clockwise direction – if you have one. This way, cooler air will be drawn upwards, as the air near the ceiling fan is forced downwards.
Enhance Ventilation
You will also need to facilitate better ventilation in areas that are prone to moisture build up – which is closely related to the above tip. The laundry room, bathroom and kitchen are good examples of such spaces. To allow air out, it is recommended that you pop a window open or use exhaust fans when using these areas.
Get Storm Windows for The Winter Season
Installing storm windows over your current windows is a great way to prevent condensation, if it only occurs during the winter season. This eliminates condensation by sealing in the air and retaining heat. Storm windows can also reduce noise, as an added bonus.
However, it is worth noting that even though storm windows can help prevent condensation on interior windows, they themselves may experience condensation.
Keep Plants Farther from Windows
It is best to keep some distance between your windows and any indoor plants that you might have. Placing plants closer to – closed – windows can increase the accumulation of condensation, simply because plants are known to release moisture into the air. Furthermore, you can reduce humidity by keeping firewood outside, as it is also known to release its moisture content into the surrounding environment.
Preventing Condensation on Exterior Windows
Considering that it can affect your home’s appearance, condensation on exterior window can be very annoying but the sun normally dries it off quickly once it comes out. Try to apply a water repellent coating, like the ones applied on motor vehicle windscreens, as a way of preventing any moisture build up from the start.
Moisture In Between Panes: Here’s How to Handle It
You might have broken seals, or a saturated desiccant, if you see any condensation build up in between dual or triple pane windows. As such, replacing the windows may be your only option.
Before you do that, consider cleaning the windows thoroughly to see if it’s a cleaning product build-up or the glass is just hazy. Alternatively, you can ask to have the windows replaced by reaching out to the company that installed them in the first place if the above approach doesn’t yield the desired outcome. You can save some money with this approach. If all that fails, you may have to replace the entire window. This option comes with the added benefits of modern windows, including enhanced durability; however, it is a costlier option.
For all of your commercial window cleaning and much more contact us here at Excel Projects.
