How To Get Rid Of Window Condensation In Humid Southern Climates
With the steamy summer months in full effect, many days feel unbearably hot and humid in southern states like Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. In addition to the high temperatures and humidity levels, hurricane season stretches from May to October often leading to days of thunderstorms, tropical storms, and worse. Summers in the South are often characterized by steamy “fogged up” windows that are dripping with condensation. Many people find this window condensation unsightly, and in the long term, it can do major damage to your windows. If your windows are consistently getting covered in condensation, here are a few tips on how to get rid of window condensation in humid southern climates.
Window Condensation Is Almost Always About Humidity
Many people notice window condensation especially at night when temperatures have cooled a bit but the air conditioner is still blasting at full strength. The high humidity levels outside cause condensation to form on the glass at night because there is no sun to evaporate the water.
Similarly, condensation inside windows often occurs in dry climates, as interior factors like showering, boiling water, and exercising cause interior humidity levels to rise.
Getting rid of window condensation is as simple as balancing humidity levels within an acceptable range. Many people in the South use dehumidifiers that can cause homes to not be able to self-regulate and form tons of excess moisture on the windows. Halting dehumidifier use, or only using during certain hours can help get rid of condensation on your windows.
Double Pane Windows May Give You More Trouble
Many modern homes have windows with double or even triple panes of glass. These double pane modern windows can develop condensation on the inside of the pane which is incredibly difficult to remove. Some people recommend using a dehumidifier next to the window to pull out the excess moisture. While this may work temporarily, the next time humidity levels rise and the temperature inside your home stays cool, this moisture will make its way back between the double panes of the window.
Moisture inside a double-paned window means that the seal of that pane is no longer secure, causing the outside air to affect the interior of the glass. This seal can be caused by a variety of things from sun damage to water retention in the window frame, but likely the seal has simply broken down with old age. The average lifespan of a window is 10-20 years, but it may be shorter in the south where windows are exposed to high amounts of heat and humidity.
When It May Be Time To Replace Windows Due To Condensation
Condensation on the outside of glass windows is very normal and nothing to worry about. However, it is the surrounding area that may be of concern. Water repeatedly collecting and cooling on the window may affect the surrounding window frame causing rot in wood, or drawing pests like ants and termites that are attracted to sources of water. If your windows have been consistently developing condensation, it is worthwhile to inspect them at least twice a year for signs of rot or pest infestation.
If the condensation on your windows has alerted you to the fact that they need replacing, there is no better company to replace them than Folkers Window Company. Folkers has installed over one million windows and is proud to provide Northwest Florida with excellent prices and professional service. Call or check out our website for more information today.
