Opening windows wide for five to 10 minutes every morning can help stop window condensation, according to experts, offering a cheaper alternative to pricey dehumidifiers.
As temperatures drop, condensation has started to plague windows in the morning, particularly in bedrooms. Bedrooms are hotspots for damp in winter as moisture is exhaled with every deep breath.
Condensation is something most households have encountered as the season shifts to autumn and winter. In the best-case scenario, it is just an annoying thing that has to be cleaned up. In more serious situations, it can ruin paint, drench carpets, and create the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to fester.
Why condensation forms
The air that surrounds us contains moisture, and its levels can change based on outdoor weather patterns as well as indoor activities, like cooking or taking a shower. Warm air has a greater capacity to hold moisture compared to cold air.
When the air temperature decreases, it eventually reaches a point where it cannot absorb any additional moisture and becomes completely saturated at 100%. This specific temperature is called the “dew point”. When air cools to its dew point, water droplets begin to condense on surfaces that are even colder.
How to stop condensation
Condensation forming on the inside of the glass is a result of ventilation problems, according to Which? Trusted Trader Finesse Windows. They said, “It means there's too much moisture in the room and not enough ventilation. Moisture needs somewhere to escape. The more you let fresh air circulate, the less water ends up on your windows.”
To stop window condensation fast, the experts advised flushing the humid air out of the room by opening windows wide for five to 10 minutes every morning. While you may be worried about losing heat, allowing dry air in for a few minutes can actually make rooms feel fresher and reduce long-term damp problems.
You can also filter out the humid air by keeping internal doors open where possible. This will also allow drier air to circulate throughout your home. As well as opening windows and internal doors, window trickle vents should be left open.
The experts explained, “Modern A-rated windows come with trickle vents for a reason. They allow a small, controlled flow of fresh air, helping moisture escape without making the room cold. Keep them open all year round, especially in bedrooms overnight.”
