Help! My Home Windows Are Fogged Up
It may happen to you.
You wake up one morning. You open the curtains, ready to glimpse the beautiful day you’ve been waiting for, but blurry windows block your view.
We expect our windows to let us see out of them. So what does it mean when we can’t?
If you have ever been surprised by fogged-up windows, you’re not alone. The air and ventilation inside of many homes can impact plenty of surfaces, including those windows we rely on for light and vision.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the causes of fogged up windows and what you can do to fix them. Just make sure that when those windows are all cleared up, you remember that Entek HVAC was the one who was there to help.
Are my windows to blame?
Though your windows may seem like they’re the underlying issue here, they’re typically not the cause of the situation. Your windows are simply the first place that you’ll see proof.
Truth is, your home is likely experiencing humid conditions. You’ll find evidence of this in the condensation that has been building on surfaces, making your windows appear foggy.
When you notice that your windows are fogged up, one of the first things you should do is determine whether the windows are fogged up on the inside of your home or on the outside. If your home is experiencing condensation outdoors, it could be due to a dramatic change in temperature. If the weather outside is very cold while your home inside is well-heated, this contrast in temperature will create condensation, just like having a cold beverage on a warm day.
On the other hand, if your windows are experiencing condensation on their interior, the cause will be something within the house. If this is happening, you may benefit from the assistance of a professional HVAC technician. Aside from checking where the condensation is occurring, you should also take note of whether just one or multiple windows are suffering from being fogged up.
What is causing my windows to be fogged up?
You may feel relieved that your windows aren’t to blame, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of the woods yet. The true culprit is humidity in your home.
Humidity in a house is more common than you think, and it happens regularly in places like the bathroom and kitchen. For instance, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to see that your bathroom mirror is fogged after taking a hot shower. In those instances, you just turn on the bathroom fan to assist with ventilation.
But when this is a problem throughout the entire house, it could take more time and resources to clear up. Figuring out the cause and addressing it as soon as possible is important because it could help you avoid much bigger problems down the line.
What issues are associated with excess humidity?
If your home is too humid, it can lead to other, more dangerous issues. A humid household creates moisture, and excess moisture in dark places creates the perfect environment for mold to grow and thrive in. As mold enters your home, it can lead to property damage as well as health issues for your family. That’s why dealing with the humidity problem in your home should be treated just as seriously as if there were a physical hazard in the way.
High humidity levels in the home can also create water damage. Fogged windows may be the first sign, but it’s usually followed by others—things like watermarks on the walls, wood rot, bug infestation, and more. Humidity could cause all sorts of discomfort and anxiety to the occupants of your home. Unfortunately, when you start to see water damage signs, the damage has usually been happening for much longer.
So that takes us to the big question.
How can I correct this problem?
There are a few ways you can help correct the issue of too much humidity in your home. One of those ways is to upgrade your air conditioner. If you don’t already have an air conditioner or don’t have an efficient model, you may be missing out on an opportunity to both cool your home and decrease humidity. It can make a big difference.
Air Conditioner
Air conditioners work by removing the heat from the air and then cooling it. When air conditioners remove heat from the air, they remove humidity as well. This can create a more comfortable room temperature while helping you keep your windows from fogging up. It’s the best of both worlds.
Dehumidifier
Another way to impact the humidity in the air is to invest in a dehumidifier. It works similarly to an air conditioner in that a dehumidifier extracts warm air from a room or household. The way it differs from an air conditioner is what it does to the air afterward.
After taking in the heat, the dehumidifier feeds the air through refrigerated coils. That creates the condensation you’re trying to avoid within the machine. But the condensation is stored in the humidifier, where it will remain until you empty the water pan, so that means the humidity is no longer in the air.
A dehumidifier is a good option for decreasing humidity in the winter because you probably won’t be using your air conditioning unit during that time. Dehumidifiers are also a great way to tackle the humidity of only one room, such as a basement or attic. These are two popular locations that would benefit from a dehumidifier.
If fogged windows are a problem in your home, you may want to consider speaking to a professional HVAC technician about the options available to you. It’s likely your home will benefit from specific options to help you decrease humidity or improve air circulation.
A professional such as the technicians at Entek can lead you in the right direction and make sure your windows aren’t continuing to get all fogged up.