Heating and Air Conditioning – Window Condensation
Window condensation forms whenever there is warm, moist air that meets the cooler surface of the window in a home. This moisture that is in the air will in return cause condensation, and the draft free, energy-efficient windows just may be the cause of the problem. As homes are becoming much tighter and even more energy-efficient, window condensation is becoming a much bigger problem in new home builds. The performance of a home’s heating and air conditioning system can help in controlling indoor humidity, while other tasks may be required in high humidity conditions.
Today’s modern construction methods, including new windows, are designed to keep the outside air from entering the home. Older windows used to be less efficient, allowing for air circulation, and for moisture to be able to escape. High quality windows and insulation create barriers to this circulation of air in energy-efficient homes. When this is combined with the additional moisture from hot showers, cooking or from clothes dryers not vented to the outside, excess moisture will accumulate within the home.
Treating Condensation
In order to treat the condensation found within the home it will require the ability to control the indoor humidity levels. Opening a window briefly is a quick manual solution to remove moisture from a room, such as the bathroom after a shower, or the kitchen while cooking. The open window will allow the moisture found in the indoor air to be able to escape. For moisture problems throughout the rest of the home, cracking a window may help, although this is not an attractive solution during the winter.
The usage of an exhaust fan in the bathroom and kitchen will allow the indoor air to exhaust itself if left to run for 20 minutes at a minimum after a steaming hot shower or after cooking. However, this option only works if the fan exhausts the air to the outside of the home.
Humidifier
Dry wintery air can cause sore throats, nose bleeds, itchy skin and dry mucous membranes. All of this will increase your vulnerability to illnesses, especially the flu. A humidifier will assist with this, but it may contribute to window condensation. Generally, whenever using a humidifier an humidity level should be around 30 to 50%. If the usage of a humidifier is a necessity for family members whom have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, and your setting is currently established at 50%, reduce the humidity levels to around 40% and check the windows for condensation. Keep tinkering with the levels to try and remove the condensation if it does not work at 40%, however, never go below 30% in order to maintain indoor healthy levels of humidity.
Also, make sure that your whole house humidifier has a humidistat to attest to its accuracy. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s heating and air conditioning experts can provide the solutions you will need.
Plants Breath Also
Many live plants found in the home can also increase humidity levels. Make sure you place plants in a sunroom or an infrequently used room during extremely cold weather. Whenever you have a moisture problem located within the basement, consider adding waterproofing protection to the basement floors and walls.
The heat from gas is considered moist heat; ensure that your gas furnace is well ventilated. Older styles of gas heaters may not be, consider replacing these for a modern, safer and ventilated system.
Window condensation should only be occurring whenever there are extreme differences in the indoor and outdoor temperature. During the winter time, condensation is on the inside of the glass, while during the summer it will be on the outside of the glass. Whenever condensation happens between the two layers of glass in an insulated window, the typically means that the airtight seal has most likely failed, and it will need to be repaired.
If there is moisture on the ceiling or walls, peeling paint, rotting wood, and fungus, mold or mildew; this is signs of a serious moisture issue. If these signs are happening in your home, contact a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning expert for a diagnosis and a solution.
-
Do not lower your thermostat below 68 degrees and make sure to heat all rooms in your home evenly.
-
When you are cooking, cover the pots to help minimize the spread of steam throughout the home.
-
Minimize the use of the fireplace, wood gives off moisture as it burns.
-
Ensure routine maintenance of the heating and air conditioning system for proper performance.
-
Contact your heating and air conditioning technician for the installation of a dehumidifier when the problem is severe.
-
Make sure that the moisture problem is not from water accumulation in the basement. If water accumulation or flooding has happened, contact a plumber for sump pump installation to help keep your home dry, and to prevent mold and mildew accumulation.
About Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning
Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning has been helping homeowners and businesses alike in Katy, Texas and surrounding areas for many years with heating and air conditioning. We are one of the leading heating and air companies in the area. Dedication, determination and professional services that you can rely on have helped made us the go to source for customers in the area who are in need of heating and cooling repairs, installations and maintenance. When you contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning in Katy, Texas you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving high quality professional heating and air conditioning that is both reliable and affordable.
Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning in Katy, Texas is a leader in the HVAC field servicing Katy, Plano, and surrounding areas. Our NATE certified technicians provide professional HVAC related services, installation and repairs. If you are looking for help with your home or business’ HVAC system and need heating and air conditioning do not hesitate to give us a call today. One of our professional technicians will be more than happy to assist you and schedule a service call for heating and air conditioning at your earliest convenience. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning is a proud member of the BBB and maintains a rock solid A+ rating.
