Windows Fogging Up In House
Let's discuss the dreaded - windows fogging up in house - scenario. Now there are times where it should be concerning, but in many other cases, it's not that big of a deal (annoying yes, a malfunctioning window no).
Let's cut to the chase - if the condensation is between the panes of glass, then you have a problem. If the condensation is on the inside of the inner pane (you can wipe your finger through it from inside your home) or on the outside of the outside pane (you can wipe your finger through the condensation from outside of your home), you're alright.
Bottom Line: The only time you really need to be concerned about your windows fogging up in the house is if the condensation is in between the window panes.
If you do need new windows, make sure you always collect 3 to 4 bids and compare quotes.
Article By John M. - Site Editor - Updated In September, 2024
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What Is Condensation
Simply put, condensation is naturally occurring moisture in the air. When warm air meets cool air, you get condensation. And since window glass is the coolest material on a wall, this is where condensation forms. Let's say it's summertime and we have the A/C on indoors. The hot air outside meets the cooler window glass and condensation forms on the outside of a window. Conversely, during wintertime, the warm air inside our home meets the cool window glass and condensation forms on the inside of a window.
Therefore, condensation on your home's window glass happens quite naturally and, ironically, has become more prevalent over the years. The reason for this is that today's homes are much more energy efficient than they were 20 years ago. Specifically, they are cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Mitigating Windows Fogging Up In House
If your home does have lots of condensation, there are some options to mitigate this. The first way is to simply turn down the A/C or heater to a slightly more mellow temperature so that the outside and inside temps are more in line. But this certainly makes no sense if you are in very hot or cold climates and you want to remain cozy. Or you can just open and window for a few minutes and let the temperatures mix a bit more.
The other option is the use of dehumidifiers and/or exhaust fans to better circulate air inside the home.
If you are shopping for replacement windows, pay particular close attention to the CR or condensation resistance of the window. The higher the number, the better the window glass's ability to resistant condensation. 66 is considered a very good CR on new construction or replacement windows.
Condensation Between The Panes
If you have condensation forming between the two glass panes, then you unfortunately have a problem. This likely means that the airtight seal has broken and is thereby allowing in moisture. You have two options. One, hire a window repair person to come out and fix the seal or pane(s) of glass. This is the easiest and least expensive approach, although it can be a real pain if you have to do this for all of the windows.
