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WHAT IS CONDENSATION?
First of all, congratulations on your new vinyl window purchase! Our windows are high quality, energy efficient windows that we hope you enjoy for many years. As our fall days begin to get colder and shorter, you may start to notice your windows sweating. This is condensation. When levels of humidity in your home are too high relative to the cold temperatures outside condensation occurs. Signs of condensation generally show first on windows because the glass is a colder, more visible surface. With our bitter cold temperatures in Alaska many people notice condensation on their windows during the winter months. Don’t worry, this is normal. When you see condensation on your windows it actually indicates that your new windows are highly effective in insulating your home. You new energy efficient windows are designed to keep the warm in and the cold out. With this you must realize that moisture in your home does not have the opportunity to escape and you home becomes more humid during the colder months when windows and doors remain closed.
WHAT CAUSES CONDENSATION?
Too much humidity in a home causes condensation on windows. There are many sources of humidity in homes such as; showers, dishwashers, washers and dryers, woodstoves, plants, pets, and people. Newly built homes are much more air tight and energy efficient than ever before. Because of this the warm air inside is being trapped (saving energy) and less outside air is brought inside (increasing humidity). Another reason newer homes may have increased humidity is because building supplies such as lumber, or plaster can release moisture for the first few years. Many older homes that did not have condensation before may notice it after replacing windows. This is because your new windows are much more airtight than the old windows. Because older windows are not as efficient they would allow air exchange, letting heat out and cold air in, which would dry out the moisture in the air.
To measure your humidity levels you may purchase a humidity gauge, or a hygrometer at any hardware store. Too much humidity in a home can cause serious problems such as mildew, warping, paint failure, and deteriorating insulation.
RECOMMENDED HUMIDITY LEVELS
-20° or colder |
Not more than 15% |
-20° to -10° |
Not more than 20% |
10° to 0° |
Not more than 25% |
0° to 10° |
Not more than 30% |
10° to 20° |
Not more than 35% |
20° to 40° |
Not more than 40% |
HOW TO CONTROL HUMIDITY
There are many things that you can do to keep your home’s humidity level normal.
- Know that the only way to stop condensation is to eliminate moisture in the air.
- Regularly ventilate your house by airing out rooms daily, always use exhaust fans and vents when cooking, washing, and showering. Also, use them more frequently and for longer periods of time than you normally do.
- If possible, open a window each day to let some fresh air in.
- Store firewood outside.
- Maintain your furnace and have it serviced regularly.
- Turn on ceiling fans to circulate air.
- Place plants in sunrooms or less-used rooms.
- Waterproof basements using vapor barriers and/or waterproof floors, and moisture-sealing paints.
- Use a dehumidifier.
If your home still has excessive humidity after you’ve tried our suggestions you may have a more serious problem. You may want to talk to a heating contractor to find out the source of your excessive humidity.
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New windows can do more than add to the value of your home, they can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. We can custom build windows to your specifications. Our hardware is durable and designed to give you windows that will operate trouble-free, year round. Quality hardware is a must for windows in our northern region.
Click the links to visit our suppliers:
CertainTeed | Cardinal | Kolbe & Kolbe
Milgard | Nordic
Resources:
NFRC | Window Condensation
Home | Windows | Doors | Saunas | Contact / Quote
© 2000 - Present Hoffer Glass
3740 Braddock St., Fairbanks, AK. 99701
Email:info@hoffer-glass.com Toll-Free: 1.800.478.6204
Phone: 907.456.6200 Fax: 907.456.8295
Web Site by Sundog Media.
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