Why is There Condensation on My Windows?

You may be considering replacement windows in San Jose, CA because of the persistent appearance of condensation forming on the windows and sliding glass doors in your home. It can look like the windows are sweating, so this condition is also known as “sweaty windows.” It is caused when temperatures fall outside and high humidity is present inside your home. It can cause ice to form on the glass, drip on the window sill, or simply obscure the view outside the window.

Condensation may make the windows appear fogged up or you may see distinct drops of water on the glass. It’s the same effect you’ll see during warm weather when you have a cold drink outside – the outside of the glass or bottle will have condensation, which comes from water vapor in the atmosphere.

While it may seem like your current windows – or installed replacement windows that have already been installed – aren’t performing adequately. However, that is not the case. The glass in the windows inside your home provide a perfect surface where high humidity can condense, regardless of whether your windows have been replaced or not.

Frigid air naturally contains less moisture than warmer air. In places where temperatures plunge during the winter months, humidifiers are often required inside the home to keep the interior of the home comfortable. No humidity at all can dry out skin, dry out nasal passages – and cause nose bleeds – and respiratory systems, leading to the continual sensation that something is caught in the throat. All of these conditions can be quite uncomfortable, so some humidity inside is needed during cold weather.

However, if you have a high amount of humidity inside your home – and heating your home naturally creates a contrast to the cold air outside – once the hot and cold air meet at the windows, and the water vapor that forms is quickly deposited on the exterior of the window because the frigid air simply can’t hold it.

You’re most likely to see condensation forming on your windows as autumn transitions into winter. Usually, with time, as your home cools down to a cold-weather temperature, the amount of water vapor that’s available will also decrease, and condensation will no longer form on your windows. However, if you are humidifying your home during the winter months, or temperatures plunge drastically for a period of time, condensation will likely reappear on the surface of your windows.

Condensation forms on windows and sliding glass doors first because they are the coolest visible surfaces in your home. Window coverings, such as drapes and shades, that are closed more during cooler months will reduce the amount of warm air that is able to reach the window surfaces, which will increase the likelihood of condensation forming.

To prevent or significantly reduce condensation on your home’s windows, double or triple pane replacement windows are your best option. These windows are constructed with strong insulation properties that will provide an effective barrier for warm and cold meeting at the surface of the window. They will also keep your home more comfortable no matter what the temperature is outside and they will lower your yearly energy costs.

To learn more about energy efficient replacement windows in San Jose, CA, you can talk with our expert team at California Custom Creations. You can call us at (408) 316-6293 to make an appointment for a free in-home consultation.