This can be a worrying find, but the good news is that condensation inside windows actually indicates that your windows are working as they should. In fact, you're as likely to get condensation on new windows as old windows, and new windows may even increase condensation, since they should reduce draughts in the home.
Space heaters and hair dryers are products that are in almost any home and these can be used to help clear the condensation from your double pane windows. Place the space heater or hairdryer by the window and leave it on. This will absorb all the moisture in between the windows.
Condensation damaged windows cannot be repaired unfortunately, but there are few preventative measures to take beforehand, as well as replacement workarounds to undertake if your units have already been affected.
Double-glazed windows can be repaired to reduce the effects of condensation inside the unit. A hole is drilled to remove the moisture from between the panes, before the entire unit is resealed to prevent more moisture getting in.
Silica Desiccant
A desiccant is an absorbent material designed to maintain dryness in the space it protects. In a double-paned window, silica pellets inside the aluminum perimeter strip absorb moisture from any incoming air that enters the space between the panes.
If condensation has formed on the inside of your window, this is perfectly normal. In fact, this is a sign that your windows are working properly so you shouldn't be worried that your new windows have condensation.
To help with clearing the condensation away, you can make a simple, home-made solution by mixing two cups of water with two cups of white vinegar and a couple drops of washing up liquid. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle if you have one and spray the solution straight onto your window.
What causes condensation on the inside of windows? Condensation on the interior of windows and doors occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with cool glass. This is especially common in the winter when outside air is cold and dry, and the indoor air is warm and humid.
To stop condensation on windows at night try keeping your bedroom door open to improve airflow and leaving your curtains open, or swapping for a thinner material. If this doesn't fix the problem, check the seals of the windows (as mentioned above) or consider running a dehumidifier at night to keep moisture at bay.
Wipe windows, walls and mirrors to remove condensation (a microfiber cloth is the most efficient means of doing this), and dry the shower tray or bath. Keep the door closed while the bathroom is in use to prevent to steam escaping to other parts of the house.
The World Health Organisation guidelines suggest 21 degrees in a living room and 18 degrees in the bedrooms, falling lower at night and when you are out. You don't need to keep your home at these temperatures all the time, but you should aim to bring it up to these temperatures at least some of the day.
If the sealant around the double glazing has failed then the warm air is susceptible to entering the gap between the glass panes. When this warm air comes in contact with the cold air between the panes, it condenses.
Simply mix two cups of water and two cups of white vinegar, then add a couple of drops of washing up liquid. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray straight onto your window.
Ultimately, condensation on windows is a sign that the window is sealing the house really well. However, condensation between glass panes means it's time for a window replacement.
Condensation can happen anywhere in a property but is often noticed on window glass with a "steamed up" appearance. It is most often caused by poor levels of household insulation as well as inadequate ventilation.
Adequately heating your home can help to reduce condensation and damp, so keep temperature levels consistent, especially in those rooms that you may not use often. A heating thermostat can be useful for this. Avoid using paraffin heaters as these tend to create excess moisture.
Firstly, the colder temperatures lead to some walls in your house becoming cold themselves. These cold walls attract moisture which condenses into a liquid on their surface. At the same time, houses will typically be less ventilated because you want to keep your living space warm.
Sometimes condensation can be greatly reduced by changing what you do in your home. Try these easy tips for reducing condensation: Keep your heating on low all day in the cold weather. Wipe your window sills every morning.
Keep your home at a constant temperature
Keeping your home at an even, low temperature for prolonged periods of time is a good way to ward off condensation. This prevents areas of cold, which is where the condensation is most likely to occur.
Although condensation doesn't signal that you need new replacement windows, it's still possible that you do need some. If you've had your windows for years and you notice that they are a little drafty, then you may want to consider investing in new windows.
Opening the windows to reduce damp from condensation
Condensation occurs when humid, warm air becomes trapped in your home and then meets a cold surface, like a window. Opening a window allows humid air to escape from your home, thus reducing condensation.
Improving your windows' thermal efficiency
Cold, thermally inefficient windows are a magnet for condensation. They'll likely become wet in the morning even if you try your best to ventilate your home throughout the day.
Mokler recommends even opening the windows for just 20 minutes a day as this can be enough to drastically reduce the effects of condensation and dampness in homes.