How to control window condensation, dehumidifier is not enough!

Lynette Elliott
by Lynette Elliott

How to control window condensation, dehumidifier is not enough!


  8 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Aug 04, 2018

    17 Window Condensation Solutions - ~ - Stanek Windows

    1. https://www.stanekwindows.com/17-window-condensation-solutions.aspx

    Interior Condensation. Turn Down the Humidifier. You might notice condensation in your bathroom, kitchen, or nursery. Buy a Moisture Eliminator. Bathroom and Kitchen Fans. Circulate the Air. Open YourWindows. Raise the Temperature. Add Weather Stripping. Use Storm Windows. How to control window condensation - StarTribune.com

    1. www.startribune.com/how-to-control-window-condensation/295725031/

    Mar 10, 2015 - There are only two variables to window condensation: indoor ... They consider adding air exchangers with humidity control, throwing all plants ... How to Avoid and Remove Window Condensation | The Family ...

    1. https://www.familyhandyman.com/windows/window...window-condensation/view-all/

    We'll show you how to deal with the familiar problem of condensation on ... You can't control this, but on cold evenings you can open your doors and flush the ...

    • Lynette Elliott Lynette Elliott on Aug 05, 2018

      We do have a propane furnace, and I knew that could exacerbate the problem. Good links. Thank you.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Aug 04, 2018

    Condensation only occurs where warm and cold air meet. The best way to control it is to create a gap. In your walls, that gap is accomplished with insulation. Windows are a little trickier. Storm windows help, reducing hot water usage inside the home helps, ventilation is necessary. What climate do you live in?

    • See 1 previous
    • Lynette Elliott Lynette Elliott on Aug 05, 2018

      We are in Northwest Montana. The condensation is definitely due to warm air inside and cold air outside. The colder it gets the worse it gets. We have to wipe all windows with a towel every morning. The towel gets soaked. We always use our vents when showering, but we’re not that careful when cooking. And we have a propane furnace.

  • Gk Gk on Aug 04, 2018

    Hello Lynette! Is the condensation between your panes of glass on your windows? If so, then you have a broken seal that is letting moisture in. That would have to be repaired or replaced. If the seal in the glass isn't the issue I am really wondering why you would have that much condensation on your windows in the summer. Is this in a basement? Have you had a lot of rain and high humidity? Are the windows in question shaded by lots of shrubs and trees in area that might be very damp and never dries? If it helps you I do run two dehumidifiers in my basement in the summer--but even with just one running I do not see any visible condensation--I just have more of a musty smell in the summer due to the humidity.

  • Holly Kinchlea-Brown Holly Kinchlea-Brown on Aug 04, 2018

    We were advised to have a window in the basement cracked open a little bit to help the moisture escape....Granted this was for a new home and it did help. We only had to do it for the first two-three winters

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Aug 04, 2018

    If it is really hot outside, and you keep the house real cool, that can cause condensation on your windows. If you add things like boiling water for pasta, taking a shower, etc., that will increase the humidity even more. Perhaps turning the temp on the air conditioner up a little may help to bring the temps a little closer together. Keep running the dehumidifier, but see if maybe it is small for the areas you are using it for. You may need to run more than one and cover more of the house. Put them in the rooms that are having more problems. I hope this helps you, Lynette.

  • Lynette Elliott Lynette Elliott on Aug 04, 2018

    Great advice! I should have been more specific. This only happens in the winter!

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Aug 05, 2018

    Lynette, now that I know it's winter when this problem occurs, I can give some better advice.

    First off, you really need storm windows that have a weather seal on them. You can build your own, but for an economical solution you can buy the window "shrink wrap". This time of year, it's usually on clearance. This goes on with double sided tape (provided) and then shrinks with a hair dryer.

    Secondly, diligently ventilate when creating humidity such as boiling water (vent hood turned on), taking a shower (bath exhaust turned on), etc.

    Third, consider getting an ERV. Energy recovery ventilator. This keeps fresh air flowing through your home without sacrificing your heat.

  • Lynette Elliott Lynette Elliott on Aug 05, 2018

    Thank you. I think we will try the shrink wrap this year. We considered an ERV and talked to an HVAC guy. He said they don’t really work in this area, but I’m not sure why. I might get a second opinion.

    • See 1 previous
    • Lynette Elliott Lynette Elliott on Aug 05, 2018

      I will do that. Thank you!