Seasonal Tips to Reduce Condensation on Windows in Calgary
Haven’t we all made works of art out of the condensation on windows?
Whether you drew hearts or smileys, being able to bring out your inner Picasso must’ve always felt like good news. But the condensation itself is actually bad news that you shouldn’t love or smile about. Here’s what that actually means:
- the humidity level in the room is high.
- a sign of poor ventilation in the room.
- can lead to mould growth if not addressed.
Living in Calgary, especially during the colder months, can bring with it some challenges when it comes to condensation on windows. The fluctuating temperatures and high humidity levels can lead to excess moisture building up on your windows, potentially causing damage to your window sills and frames. However, there are some seasonal tips you can follow to help reduce condensation and keep your Calgary windows in tip-top shape.
Keep reading to discover more.
Table of Contents | Seasonal Tips to Reduce Condensation on Calgary Windows
- What Is Condensation and What Causes It?
- General Tips to Reduce Condensation on Calgary Windows
- Seasonal Tips: Reduce Condensation on Windows Throughout Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring
- Fight Condensation with Western Windows’ Top-Tier Upgrades
What Is Condensation and What Causes It?
Condensation occurs when water vapour in the air comes into contact with a surface that is cooler than the dew point temperature of the air. This causes the water vapour to condense into liquid water droplets.
Common causes of condensation include:
- hot air meeting a cold surface
- high humidity levels indoors
- inadequate ventilation
- structural issues in buildings
Condensation can lead to issues like:
- mould growth
- water damage
- deterioration of surfaces
General Tips to Reduce Condensation on Calgary Windows
So, how do you protect windows in Calgary from the wrath of condensation? Discover our top tips below:
Improve Air Circulation
To improve air circulation, it’s recommended to keep your windows open for at least 10-15 minutes each day, regardless of the season. This allows fresh air to circulate throughout your home and helps to reduce any stale or stuffy air.
However, during the warmer months, you may want to keep your windows open for longer periods of time to help cool down your home and increase ventilation. It’s essential to strike a balance between keeping your windows open and maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home.
Additionally, keep furniture away from windows to allow air to flow freely.
Use Exhaust Fans
During activities that produce a lot of moisture, such as cooking, showering, or doing laundry, make sure to turn on exhaust fans. Vent this moist air outside to reduce the humidity levels in your home and keep the environment feeling fresh & cozy.
Maintain Indoor Humidity Levels
Ideally, the indoor humidity levels should be between 30-50%. If the levels in your home don’t meet this mark, use a dehumidifier. This is particularly important in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where moisture levels can be high.
With humidity being one of the main culprits behind condensation on windows, investing in a dehumidifier is a smart move.
Monitor Indoor Temperature
You’ll want to be eagle-eyed when it comes to monitoring your indoor temperatures as well as this can drastically reduce condensation on windows. Try to maintain a consistent indoor temperature throughout the day to prevent drastic fluctuations that also contribute to condensation. Monitoring doesn’t have to be difficult though—simply use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature and keep it at a comfortable level.
Use Curtains and Blinds Wisely
What type of curtains or blinds are currently installed in your home? You might want to consider thermal curtains as they are a great way to insulate your windows and prevent heat loss, which can lead to condensation. These curtains are designed to trap warm air inside your home and block out cold drafts.
Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow air to reach the window surface. Close them at night to add another layer of insulation. You’ll want to ensure they’re not pressed up against the glass which can trap moist air.
Weatherproof Your Windows
Another way to prevent condensation on windows in Calgary is to ensure they are properly sealed. Make it a point to inspect them regularly for any gaps or cracks and apply weather stripping as needed to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering your home. Whether you’ve just recently opted for windows installation in Calgary or have had your windows for a while, this will help maintain a consistent temperature inside your home and reduce the likelihood of condensation forming on your windows.
You might also want to consider using insulating window film for an added barrier against the cold.
Air Dry Laundry Elsewhere
Have you ever noticed condensation-rich windows on laundry days?
If this is the case, it’s best to avoid hanging wet laundry indoors, as it releases moisture into the air. But if you must air dry indoors, ensure it’s a well-ventilated area or near a dehumidifier.
Check Your Vents
Your vents are your strongest allies in the battle against condensation. As such, ensure that all vents from the dryer, bathrooms, and kitchen are clear and venting directly outside your home.
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)
With proper ventilation being key to reducing condensation on windows, you’ll be in awe of the wonders that an HRV and ERV can do.
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) both work to improve indoor air quality while also increasing energy efficiency. These ventilation systems transfer heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air streams, ensuring that the indoor environment remains comfortable and fresh.
HRVs transfer heat between the outgoing stale air and incoming fresh air, while ERVs transfer both heat and moisture. By using these systems, your home can maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level without overworking heating or cooling systems—ultimately saving energy and reducing utility costs. That’s a win-win-win right there.
Insulate Pipes
Cold water pipes that aren’t insulated can contribute to your indoor humidity levels and cause condensation on windows. Simply insulating them will help prevent excess moisture from forming inside your home.
Interior Storm Windows
If you have older, single-pane windows in Calgary, installing interior storm windows during the winter months can provide an additional barrier to moisture and cold.
Consider Window Replacement in Calgary
If condensation is a persistent problem with your older windows—investing in double or triple-glazed windows with higher energy efficiency will be well worth it.
When it comes to window replacements in Calgary, Western Windows is the ultimate solution. From top-of-the-line products to flawless installation, we’re known for consistently giving homes their best-looking and best-performing windows yet.
Seasonal Tips: Reduce Condensation on Windows Throughout Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Now that we’ve covered the general tips to reduce condensation on windows, let’s take a look at what you need to keep in mind as the seasons change:
Summer
| Strategy | Purpose | Details |
| Ventilation | To increase air movement and reduce indoor humidity. | Utilize windows and attic fans during cooler evenings to enhance ventilation. |
| Air Conditioning | To maintain a cool and less humid indoor environment. | Use air conditioning to reduce indoor humidity levels and keep the air comfortably cool. |
| Dehumidifiers | To directly remove excess moisture from the air. | Run a dehumidifier in areas that tend to be humid, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. |
| Shade | To prevent solar gain which can raise indoor temperatures. | Use blinds or curtains to shade windows from direct sunlight, helping to keep rooms cooler. |
| Grill Outside | To avoid adding heat and humidity to the indoor environment. | Grill outdoors to keep additional heat and moisture from cooking out of your home. |
Autumn
| Strategy | Purpose | Details |
| Check Heating | To ensure the heating system operates efficiently. | Have your furnace serviced before the heating season begins to maintain efficiency. |
| Weatherproofing | To prevent drafts and heat loss through windows. | Install weather stripping around windows to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. |
| Rugs and Throws | To add warmth without increasing indoor heating. | Use rugs and throws for added insulation and comfort, which can help keep the home warm with less heating. |
| Use Exhaust Fans | To remove excess moisture from indoor activities. | Regular use of exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom is important to expel moist air from cooking and bathing. |
Winter
| Strategy | Purpose | Details |
| Humidifiers | To balance indoor humidity levels. | Monitor and, if necessary, reduce the use of humidifiers to prevent excess indoor humidity and condensation. |
| Warm Air Circulation | To maintain warmer window surfaces. | Ensure warm air circulates freely around the home, reaching windows to keep the glass surface temperature higher and prevent condensation. |
| Insulated Curtains | To retain heat and control when to use natural warmth. | Use heavy, insulated curtains to keep the warmth in. Open them during sunny days to allow the sun’s warmth to heat the glass. |
| Insulate Windows | To provide additional thermal protection. | Apply insulating film to window glass to create a thermal barrier against the cold and reduce condensation risk. |
Spring
| Strategy | Purpose | Details |
| Spring Cleaning | To maintain window integrity and cleanliness. | Clean window frames and channels to remove any mould and mildew that may have developed from winter condensation. |
| Balance Humidity | To manage indoor humidity levels. | Monitor indoor humidity as snowmelt and rain can increase moisture. Adjust as needed to maintain comfort. |
| Ventilate | To refresh the indoor air and reduce humidity. | Open windows on warmer days to allow fresh air in and help reduce excess indoor humidity. |
| Maintain Gutters | To protect the home’s exterior from water damage. | Keep gutters and downspouts clean and functional to prevent water from infiltrating around windows and doors. |
Fight Condensation with Western Windows’ Top-Tier Upgrades
For all seasons in Calgary, maintaining a balance between heating, ventilation, and humidity control is key to reducing window condensation. By following these tips, you can help improve the overall comfort and safety of your home.
Dealing with condensation on windows may be a tough fight, but Western Windows is here to help you win that battle with window transformations that always exceed your expectations. Since 1977, we’ve been providing the most reliable windows in Calgary.
With our top-quality products, condensation won’t stand a chance in your home sweet home.
Contact us today to request a free estimate.
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