How to Keep House Windows from Fogging Up

If your window experiences frequent fogging, it could mean it is damaged or has a broken seal. Learn how to keep your windows from fogging up in this article.

You may have probably already noticed condensation on your windows during winter when it is cold outside. Often, you experience condensation on the inside and frost on the outside of windows. Condensation is especially prominent overnight when the heaters in your home are running to keep the temperatures warm. The same phenomenon occurs during summer when the internal temperatures are cooler, and the external temperatures are high. With time, this issue can be so profound that it causes an accumulation of water on the inner sides of your windows. Fortunately for you, there are several ways to fix this issue. Keep reading to learn more about them.

Methods to Prevent House Windows from Fogging Up

Prevent your windows from fogging up with these simple solutions:

Inspect Your Windows

Your first step should be to examine the condition of your window. The fog is an accumulation of condensation on your window glass. Consider examining the location of the moisture to get a clear picture of what is going on with your window. In double and triple pane windows, fog often occurs because of the moisture between the glass, which results from a bad seal. If your window has been in existence for logs, this might indicate that you need to replace the glass panel.

Weatherize Your Windows

Another factor that largely affects fogging of your windows is quality insulation which most homes lack. If you have an older house, you might find flawed areas that were not well insulated. Investing in new energy-efficient windows will go a long way to increasing your home's insulation quality. These windows come in unique designs with excellent seals that enable your home to accumulate heat without exhausting your electricity bill.

Decrease Your Home’s Humidity

Most people do not know that having several plants indoors could result in more moisture buildup. This is because plants release some moisture into the atmosphere. So while they may look good in your window, consider moving them as far as possible from such places, especially in winter. Also, if you intend to use a humidifier, ensure it isn’t on for too long. You could also use a dehumidifier to balance the amount of moisture in the air.

Ensure You Have Good Ventilation

You should also consider your home’s ventilation if you want to keep your window from the fog. Examine areas like the laundry room to ensure your dryer is venting properly to the outside. Also, check the fireplace for any signs of moisture around the hearth, as fireplaces could limit the air circulation in your home when frequently sealed. Finally, if the outside temperatures aren't too cold, you could open some windows to circulate cool, dry air in your room. This balances the warm air on the inside and around the windows.

Why Are My Windows Foggy?

Your windows could be foggy due to extreme temperature differences between the outdoors and indoors, broken window seals, or excessive house plants. Once your window seal breaks, moisture will begin to form between the panes. This gives your window a foggy look.

Here are other causes of moisture buildup in your home that you should deal with:

· Wet laundry

· Fish tanks

· Rain

· Basement walls and floors

· Cooking with open pans and pots

What Causes a Seal to Break?

Over time, your window seals will give in. common causes of window seals breaking include:

· Exposure to water: Examine your window seal after a heavy rainstorm or flood. This is because perimeter seals are susceptible to damage resulting from excessive water buildup.

· Excessive heat: Warm air expands, so the air in a double pane window could stretch the seals. While this might not be a big issue now, exposure to sun rays deteriorates your window seals over time.

· Old age: after around 20 years, you might start noticing fog in your double pane window that you can’t wipe off. This results from a lifetime of closing and opening windows and ensuring harsh temperatures both in winter and summer.

How Do Double-Pane Windows Work to Keep Your Room Warm?

Also known as insulated glass units, double-pane windows can handle all weather conditions. They retain heat during winter and cool air during summer. The windows have an insulating void between the glass panels that helps reduce heat loss and maintain a consistent temperature.

Most double-pane windows have two seals: an inner and outer seal. The inner seal protects against moisture and corrosion. On the other hand, the outer seal protects the window's strength. These seals have a spacer in place, usually a tube with water-absorbing chemicals.

In case one seal begins to deteriorate, the other can carry on for a while. However, if a window has lasted for years, its components will start to break down. Resultantly, the seals will wear out, and condensation will begin to form. If you notice these signs, it might be time for a window pane replacement.

Some other reasons that could warrant a replacement include:

· Energy-efficiency: Installing energy-efficient windows saves you about 22% on annual cooling and heating costs.

· Safety: Older homes are likely to have lead paint on the windows, which might be harmful. Also, if your window doesn’t lock or close properly, consider replacing it.

· Style: If you wish to upgrade to an up-to-date style, you may consider replacing your windows. Additionally, a window that doesn’t fit your home's architecture could necessitate a replacement.

· Defects: Your window could experience cracks, breakages, leakages, discoloration, or condensation between the panes. If this happens, you could replace it.

· Age: If your window has lasted for over 15 years, it is pretty old, and you should consider replacing it.

It isn’t uncommon for your windows to experience fogging, especially when there is a considerable temperature difference between the outside and inside. The good news, however, is that there are different strategies you could employ to ensure this issue does not recur. We hope the above-mentioned methods help you take the best course of action to save your home.