Have you noticed that your home’s windows fog up at certain times? Fogginess is a common issue for many homeowners, especially during the winter and summer months. Cloudy windows can be annoying, as they limit your ability to see outside. But foggy windows also cause other problems that can lead to significant damage, such as mold growth, water damage, and unsightly stains on floors or walls.
If you’re dealing with cloudy windows, this post will help you understand why this is occurring and what you can do to correct the problem. If installing new windows is your best option, schedule a free analysis with Homespire Windows and Doors to get the process started.
Why Are My Windows Foggy?
Foggy or cloudy windows can be caused by several factors. Significant differences between the exterior and interior temperatures and humidity can cause windows to become cloudy. For example, if the air outside is a lot colder than the air inside, the heated interior air won’t retain its moisture when it comes into contact with the cold window surface, which causes condensation to form.
Cloudy windows can also be from an underlying defect in the glass panes or the window’s seal, especially with older systems. A window upgrade is often necessary to correct the issue.
Good vs. Bad Condensation: What’s the Difference?
Condensation on windows isn’t always a bad thing. For example, when you install high-efficiency windows, the presence of moisture indicates that they’re sealing your home correctly. When it’s hot out, the insulated glass allows less heat to penetrate, which results in the buildup of condensation on the outside when certain atmospheric conditions occur.
Likewise, high humidity inside the home resulting from activities such as cooking, showering, or doing laundry can cause the inside of new, high-efficiency windows to fog up. The tight seal prevents the air from escaping or less humid exterior air from entering. You’re likely to notice this more when the temperature outside is 30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
How Do You Keep House Windows From Fogging Up?
You can try various remedies to prevent your windows from fogging. Try applying a window film onto the glass surface to stop condensation from forming by blocking the warm air before it reaches the cold glass. You can purchase complete window film kits at your local hardware or home improvement store. Window and ceiling fans can help by disrupting the warmer air and keeping it from “sticking” to your windows.
If it’s not too cold outside, consider opening your windows to release the warm, moist air that’s trapped inside your home. Other options that could help include replacing screens with storm windows during the winter, moving plants away from your windows as they release moisture into the air, and running the exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom.
How Do You Keep Your House Windows From Fogging Up in the Summer?
It depends on whether the condensation is on the inside or outside of your window. The humidity that occurs during the hotter months of the year causes condensation to form on the interior of your windows, especially when running your home’s air conditioning system. Installing a dehumidifying system can help alleviate the issue. Dehumidifiers work by drawing moisture-filled air into the unit and across its refrigerant coils, which causes the moisture to condense on the coils.
Exterior condensation in the early morning is usually an accumulation of dew that you typically can’t control. Dew results from the overnight drop in surface temperatures that causes condensation in the form of water droplets.
Why Do My Double-Pane Windows Fog Up?
When double-pane windows become cloudy, a broken seal is usually the culprit. Double-pane windows have a layer of Argon gas between the two panes that serve as insulation to prevent heat loss through the window. When a seal for one of the sheets breaks or wears out, the insulating gas escapes. Humid air is then free to enter the space, and as the moisture from the air condenses, it causes cloudiness.
Do Cloudy Windows Need to Be Replaced?
You could either repair or replace foggy double-pane windows in your home. In some cases, it may be possible to repair the window by inserting a liquid cleaning solution and sucking out the moisture with a vacuum, followed by the insertion of a defogging device. Replacing the window sash is another option. However, a total replacement is usually the most cost-effective, long-term solution, especially for older window systems.
Why Should You Consider Homespire for Your Window Replacement Needs?
With 25 years of home improvement experience, you can trust Homespire for your window replacement project in central Pennsylvania, Allentown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or New Jersey. We’re a local company known for manufacturing and installing expertly crafted windows that offer excellent energy efficiency and maximum safety and security. Our windows come with a true Signature Warranty that covers labor and materials for your protection and peace of mind.
Contact us for more information and to request a free in-home window analysis today.
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