How to prevent windows in the house from sweating

Fogging of windows in the cold season is one of the common problems faced by many house and flat owners. It is especially noticeable in rooms with poor ventilation or high air humidity. At first glance, condensation on windows may seem like a minor nuisance, but over time it can lead to more serious consequences: mould formation, deterioration of frames and windows. It is important to understand the causes of this phenomenon and know how to deal with it effectively to ensure the comfort and longevity of your window structures.

To maintain a comfortable climate in your home, it is important to prevent window fogging, especially during the cold season. One effective way is to use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen, especially during showering and cooking. These rooms are prone to high humidity and timely ventilation helps to reduce the risk of condensation.

In favourable weather conditions, when the temperature outside is above freezing and the air is dry, it is a good idea to open windows regularly for ventilation. The fresh air improves circulation and reduces indoor humidity, which prevents moisture from settling on the windows.

Make sure your tumble dryer is properly connected and has an outlet for air to the outside. This will prevent the humidity in your home from rising, which is especially important during the cold season.

To avoid excessive humidity, it is a good idea to switch off all humidifiers if their use is not justified. Instead, if humidity levels are too high, it is recommended that dehumidifiers are switched on. These effectively reduce humidity, helping to prevent condensation forming on windows.

In case of water leaks or faulty plumbing, you need to fix the problems immediately. Leaky pipes or taps can significantly increase the humidity in the room, creating the perfect conditions for fogging up windows.

It is better to leave the heating on overnight, keeping the temperature stable. This will avoid sudden temperature fluctuations that contribute to condensation on cold windows in the morning.

To improve air circulation around windows, you can keep curtains open and switch on ceiling fans. This will help warm air to be evenly distributed, which will speed up the evaporation of condensation from the surface of the panes.

Consider installing a heat recovery ventilation system. This device moves moist air outside, replacing it with preheated, clean air from the outdoors. This approach helps maintain a comfortable microclimate without unnecessary humidification.

To improve the thermal insulation performance of single glazed windows, you can install storm windows or use special window films. Storm windows help to retain heat by preventing the glass from cooling, while films create a barrier to moist air by preventing it from coming into contact with the window surface. Both methods are effective in reducing the likelihood of condensation.

The main causes of window fogging are due to condensation. To make it easier to visualise, take an ice-cold drink from the freezer. On contact with a warm hand, it will instantly thaw and drops will appear on the outside. The same thing happens with windows. Cold air from outside touches the warm glass warmed in the house, resulting in water droplets appearing on it. Moisture accumulates and condenses on the surface. The same thing happens to the windows in your home when it’s cold. Also, high humidity outside (especially in the morning) and prolonged rainfall can also cause windows to fog up from the outside.

If your windows are still fogging up despite your best efforts, then there is a chance that you may have faulty windows. If their airtightness is compromised, then you will have to replace them. If you have double-pane windows and are experiencing fogging between the panes, it could be that the seal is outdated and moisture has got in. Improper drainage, a long period of use, direct sunlight – all this can provoke condensation. The only way to solve the problem is to contact Windows Group’s craftsmen to replace the glass or the entire window, if it’s more than 20 years old. Our experienced service technicians can repair, replace or install efficient double glazed windows to keep your home cosy, warm and dry.