Winter Window Condensation – Sweaty Windows
What Causes Window Condensation
Each winter I’m asked repeatedly why new energy efficient windows have condensation on them. I’ve written several articles about window condensation, Winter Window Condensation Problems, Window Condensation – Part II, and More On Winter Window Condensation, but I thought it was worth reviewing the issues because it seems to be so common today in newer homes.
Window condensation is due in large part because of how your home is built and not really a result of faulty windows. Each year homes are being built better with improved insulation, better vapor barriers and overall improved air infiltration. However this has resulted in very “tight” homes. “Tight” homes are great for helping us reduce how much energy it takes to heat and cool them however it makes it much harder to remove water laden air and contaminated air.
The number one reason you see condensation on your windows is because you have a high amount of moisture (humidity) in the air. Humidity (water vapor in the air) is a measure of how much moisture is in the air. We produce water vapor in all kinds of ways. We all create water vapor when we breathe and sweat. Plants and pets all produce water vapor in our homes. On top of that we create a tremendous amount of water vapor from showering, bathing, cooking, washing the laundry and cleaning the dishes.
Condensation is the process in which water vapor (gaseous state) comes in contact with a cool surface (such as a window) and converts back the the liquid state of water. In order for condensation to form on a window the temperature of the glass must be at or below the dew point of the air touching the glass. So if the dew point in your home is 60 F and the glass temperature hits 50 F then you’ll see condensation on the windows. Even with great new energy efficient windows the glass temperature can be slightly lower than the dew point causing condensation on windows.
Older homes don’t seem to have as big of a problem with window condensation. The reason this is true is because older homes are much draftier. Air leakage helps keep the home “breathing” and therefore allows excess moisture to leave the home and it also reduces the dew point. However, older homes typically have windows that are far less energy efficient and therefore have colder glass that is more prone to condensation problems due to colder glass temperatures.
How To Reduce Window Condensation
If you’re having condensation problems in your home then I suggest you start by testing the relative humidity in your home. Measuring the relative humidity in your home is actually fairly easy. All you need to do is buy a hygrometer, Timex Thermo-Hygrometer, which measures humidity. You can also use a dehumidifier in conjunction with good ventilation to reduce the humidity in your home.
Ideally you’ll want to make sure your home is around 40% relative humidity. If you’re home is higher than that then you really need to evaluate your exhaust systems. The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) recommends a minimum of 8 air changes per hour for bathrooms and 15 air changes per hour for kitchens. So calculate the cubic feet of the room and compare it to the CFM rating on your exhaust fan. This will tell you how long to run the exhaust fan in order to achieve the recommended air exchange. I recommend you install an electronic timer switch on your exhaust fans. This way you can set the appropriate time and achieve the necessary air exchanges. If you’re looking for a new bathroom exhaust fan then I highly recommend the Panasonic WhisperFit Low Profile Ventilation Fans – 17 Watts [ Model FV05VF2 ], I’ve used this in both of my homes and it’s the quietest on the market.
Once you properly exhaust the moisture from your home the condensation problems should stop. Understanding what causes condensation will save you time and money. So stop blaming window manufactures and solve the problem by controlling moisture.
After reading this post, as well as all the links to previous posts on winter window condensation, I'm wondering why the recommendations are always to exhaust warm humid air — rather than just to remove the excess moisture with a dehumidifier? Wouldn't it be better in these energy-saving times just to remove the extra moisture from the warm air, rather than exhausting both the moisture and the HEAT? Maybe I'm being too 'tight', but I hate the idea of sending warm air out through an exhaust fan, especially after I've spent so much time & money sealing all the leaks in my house (built 1996). What's wrong with just using a dehumidifier after showering, rather than an exhaust fan — is it a huge electricity hog?
I agree and disagree with you.
First off let me say that one problem with new homes is how tight they are and the lack of outside “fresh” air that enters the home. By using the exhaust fans we create a negative air pressure in the home and therefore allow fresh outside air into the home.
I often work with energy star raters on houses we build and they typically say that 3500 to 4000 sf is the cut off between two approaches. For houses under that size it’s appropriate to use exhaust fans to remove the moisture. Above that size home you should be using some type of heat recovery ventilation in order to exchange sufficient air.
If you can get sufficient air exchanges in combination with de-humidifiers then that would be ideal. So the long answer is it’s more than just moisture.
Awesome post and timely – it happens to me every year
I live in a state that has very low humidity in the winter. It gets very dry in our home, so adding a dehumidifier seems like it would make it so dry. When it gets really cold there is condensation and can even be a little icey on inside. Is that due to windows letting too much cold air in?
Our house is fairly new so how do we add exhaust fans? It appears on all the windows not just in the kitchen. Both bedrooms and living room.
Cathy – Have you measured the relative humidity in the home when this occurs? My bet is the humidity levels are very high. This happens due to washing cloths, dishes, showers, etc. Depending on how well insulated the windows are, will also play a role. Double pane windows should prevent this if the humidity levels are kept in check.
Good luck.
Todd, it seems like I have condensation on my lower windows but not the upper windows. Does the screen act like some form of a barrier which causes the condensation?
If you can, please respond to my email address. Thanks.
Hmmm…I doubt it. There are so many factors at play it’s hard to say why only the lower ones are doing it.
Homes are being built too tight. Don’t people realize that as a result, there will be an air quality issue?
Todd, what do you do when your relative humidity in the winter is between 30-40 and some of your windows have condensation on them? My bedroom windows always have condensation once it gets cold. During the years, I have reached out to the window manufacturer and installer and they tell me I have too much humidity. My hygrometer indicates the humidity was between 37 and 41 in the last 24 hours yet I woke up to wet windows. Btw, it’s a ranch house and the bedrooms are always a little cooler. Thanks.