| If you live in a cold part of the country you are | | | | and in good working condition. Bathrooms, dryer |
| familiar with condensation and ice forming on the | | | | vents and kitchen vents are the biggest culprits |
| inside of windows. This problem is becoming more | | | | for introducing increased humidity inside the home. |
| prevalent with new home construction due in part | | | | Proper venting is crucial because today's homes |
| to the increased insulation and "tightness" of the | | | | have been insulated so well that there is no way |
| houses. As the temperatures continue to drop | | | | for the additional moisture to escape. To be |
| outside I receive lots of inquiries about window | | | | effective the relative humidity must be dropped |
| condensation. | | | | to a minimum of 40%. |
| Condensation and ice form on windows because | | | | Increasing the temperature of the window is a bit |
| the window surface is below the dew point for | | | | more challenging. For starters make sure window |
| the air near the window, so some of the | | | | curtains and blinds are opened during the day to |
| moisture in the air condenses on the glass. The | | | | let in sun and also to allow air movement to help |
| higher the relative humidity of the air near the | | | | dry things out. By opening curtains and blinds |
| window, the higher the temperature of the dew | | | | you're also allowing the warmer air from the |
| point. Basically there are two ways to prevent | | | | room to warm up the window. |
| this from happening. The first is to reduce the | | | | If you take these steps and have good quality |
| relative humidity in the house and the second is to | | | | windows the condensation and ice should go |
| increase the temperature of the window glass. | | | | away. For additional information contact the |
| Reducing the relative humidity is the most | | | | manufacturer of your windows or check with |
| effective way of reducing window condensation. | | | | your local building supply company. |
| Make sure that exhaust fans are vented properly | | | | |