Have you noticed condensation in your home? Do you have high levels of humidity? The first thing to understand is that humidity levels can vary. How much moisture there is in your home is the cause of window condensation – but it’s also the cure. Even when you install high-quality replacement windows, they likely have a lower temperature than other interior surfaces in your home. As a result, condensation can result there first.

Winter condensation can be a problem

When you turn on your heat during the winter, you’re likely to see condensation on your windows. This is because warm, moist air condenses when it comes into contact with cooler surfaces. Your surfaces can’t hold as much moisture as they can when the air is warmer, which leads to condensation.

Summer condensation is a problem too

When it’s warmer out, you’ll have the opposite problem. Humidity outside can lead to condensation on the outside of your windows. This is typically more temporary and will usually evaporate later in the day and it won’t negatively impact the interior of your home. If you see exterior condensation on your windows, just take it as a sign that your windows are doing what they should: Ensuring your cool temps are where they should be – inside your home.

There are many potential causes of excess humidity in your home

You’ll likely be surprised to learn just how many sources can cause extra moisture inside your house. Pets and houseplants can contribute, as can these issues:

• Most anything you do in the kitchen, including cooking, running your dishwasher, and doing dishes in the sink.
• Using your washing machine.
• Natural moisture that exists in crawl space and basements.
• Breathing and perspiration can be a culprit. In fact, a family of four can generate as much as 18 gallons of water a week in humidity.
• Using the bath, shower, hot tub, or spa inside.
• Indoor-vented dryers.

How to handle humidity

Though there may be a number of sources of humidity, you don’t have to let it get the best of you. You can fight back in a number of ways:

• If your windows are older, consider replacement windows that will better insulate your home and ensure you’re not losing heating or cooling.
• Install a humidifier. Turn it down when it gets cooler and up when it’s warmer. This can typically solve most problems of humidity.
• Ensure you’ve got proper ventilation. When you’re cooking, use your exhaust fan. Use your exhaust fan in the bathroom. Make sure you’re never exhausting air into the attic but are exhausting it outside. Clean the blades of your fans yearly.
• See if you have moisture in the basement. If you do, consider re-grading around your home, installing more insulation in your foundation wall, or adding a footing drainage system and / or sump pump.

Do you need more ideas for reducing humidity? Contact Progressive Insulation & Windows today by calling (800) 500-6200 for your free in-home consultation.