As we head into Autumn, you may be noticing condensation on your windows. The drop in temperatures overnight and wetter weather will make condensation a common sight at this time of year. Usually, the condensation will disappear within a few hours, but seeing it there each morning can cause concern.  If you have condensation on your windows, you may be worried about why it’s there and what you can do. Here we give you tips on how to stop condensation on windows.

Causes of condensation

The air in your home contains water vapour, which you can’t see, but it is in the air surrounding us. The warmer the environment, the more water vapour in the air. Only so much water can stay in the atmosphere, depending on the temperature. When the air becomes saturated, the mist is created, and water droplets form on areas with a lower surface temperature than the air. You will likely have noticed steam on the bathroom mirror when running the shower or bath.

A common area for condensation is on your windows. Condensation on the outside of your windows is actually a good thing; it means they are performing correctly. Water droplets on the inside of windows usually occur on double glazing that isn’t working as it should or single glazed units. It can be a sign of too much moisture in your home or that your windows need replacing.

How to fix condensation in the home

One of the first steps to fix condensation problems is to remove excess moisture from the air inside your home. You can try a number of things, including:

Ventilation– opening windows and keeping doors open within the house will help circulate air and prevent moisture buildup in certain spots

Extractor fans – utilising fans in bathrooms and kitchens will remove the excess moisture created from bathing and cooking. Keep the lid on pans when cooking to prevent the release of too much steam

Dehumidifiers – if there is a lot of moisture in the air, a dehumidifier will draw it out and collect it. There are many models available, many at affordable prices.

Drying washing outside – while the British weather may not always let you hang your washing out, try to do so as much as possible. If you dry it inside, keep it in a room with the windows open and the door closed.

Maintain a constant temperature – sudden changes in temperature cause condensation, so keep your heating at a constant temperature rather than let the house go cold and ramping up the thermostat.

Taking these steps will significantly decrease the moisture in your home and improve air quality. If you still see condensation on your windows, it may be time to replace them. Improved glazing will help to retain the heat in your house and keep the air temperature constant. Older single glazed windows are more likely to cause condensation issues and are best replaced with double glazing. Old-style double glazing can become less efficient over time, and replacement windows will fix the problem.

Midlands Bi-folds have a range of stylish windows and high-quality double glazing options. If you are looking to replace your windows and doors or need advice on the best windows for your home, we can help. Contact us today for a free quotation.