Strategies for Eliminating Winter Window Moisture Buildup
In the colder months, condensation on windows can be a common issue in homes, causing discomfort and potential damage. To address this problem, it's essential to focus on controlling moisture sources, improving ventilation, sealing drafts, and enhancing window insulation.
Control humidity inside the home
Using exhaust fans in bathrooms during and after showers, running the kitchen hood while cooking, and venting clothes dryers outdoors can limit moisture buildup from daily activities.
Use dehumidifiers
Running a dehumidifier can effectively reduce excess indoor humidity, especially in colder months when opening windows is less practical.
Improve window insulation and seal drafts
Replacing worn weather-stripping, caulking gaps around windows, and considering upgrading to double-pane or storm windows can help retain heat and reduce condensation. Acrylic window inserts create an insulating air barrier, reducing cold drafts and condensation.
Maintain consistent heating
Keeping your heating on at a low, steady level helps prevent rapid temperature fluctuations on windows, reducing condensation formation.
Increase ventilation when possible
Open windows slightly during mild weather to allow moist air to escape and fresh air to enter, reducing humidity. Use window coverings wisely to create an air gap and limit warm, moist air contact with cold glass.
Avoid indoor moisture sources
Be cautious with humidifiers to avoid over-humidifying, and dry clothes outside or use well-vented tumble dryers instead of indoor drying racks which increase humidity.
Prevent condensation on windows
Lay a towel or rag along the bottom of the windowpane to soak up any rivulets when wiping off condensation. Avoid wiping towards the window's edges to prevent promoting mould growth in windowsills or frames.
Additional tips
Drying clothes outside on a clothesline or outdoor airer avoids introducing extra moisture into the home and saves on energy bills. A heat pump dryer or condenser dryer is more energy-efficient and better for preventing extra moisture in the home compared to a traditional vented dryer.
Moisture traps using desiccant materials can help eliminate excess moisture in damp areas like bathrooms, wardrobes, closets, or cupboards. Moisture traps need replacing every few months and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Investing in a dehumidifier can help remove damp air from the home, while keeping the heating system on a constant lower temperature (18°C to 20°C) can also reduce condensation on windows.
Moisture traps are available from various retailers such as Woolworths, Bunnings, Officeworks, Kmart, and Big W.
By following these strategies, you can prevent and remove condensation on windows, reduce indoor humidity, and improve air quality in your home during the winter months.
Maintain a sustainable living lifestyle
Drying clothes outside and using energy-efficient appliances contribute to a more sustainable living by reducing energy consumption and preventing excess moisture in the home.
Upgrade to a home-and-garden layout with sustainable features
Considering solutions like moisture traps, double-pane or storm windows, and dehumidifiers help create a more sustainable home-and-garden environment by reducing moisture buildup and enhancing air quality.
