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If you’re noticing condensation on your windows, you might be wondering whether or not you should be concerned. The short answer is: It depends. It depends on where the condensation is forming, i.e., inside, outside, or in between the glass. It also depends on the time of year and even the age of your home — condensation on windows in a newly built home is a common temporary occurrence.
Let’s explore what you need to know about condensation on your windows.
What is condensation? Why does it form on windows?
When warm air comes in contact with a cooler surface, condensation forms. The same way your glass of ice water “sweats” on a hot summer’s day, your window might fog up on a cold winter’s day.
Condensation happens because the air can only hold so much water vapor (moisture) before it changes into liquid water droplets. The amount of moisture the air can hold varies by temperature. Because cold air can hold less moisture than warm air, window condensation happens most often in the wintertime when your windows, warmed from the heat inside your house, meet the cold air outside.
Where the condensation forms is the key to understanding if it is a problem.
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Condensation on the outside of your windows
When condensation forms on the outside of your windows, it’s really just dew — just like wet grass on a summer morning. Dew forms on windows when the glass is cooler than the dew point (the point when water vapor turns into liquid water droplets.)
It’s most common to see condensation outside your windows on spring and fall mornings when humidity levels are higher and cool nights are followed by warm days. You may only notice this a few times a year. When you do, rest assured, it’s the result of conditions outside — not a sign your windows are failing.
In fact, condensation on the outside of the window is a sign of energy efficiency. It means the outside pane of glass is thoroughly insulated from the heat indoors.
