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Misty? Foggy? Unclear view?
One of the most common concerns in Britain households that we at National Double Glazing relate to is condensation on windows. Most of us will find that our windows get frosty especially during winter which is extremely annoying because it obstructs the clear view one expects a window to facilitate. An old school of thought believed that double glazed windows solve the problem of condensation. However, simply installing double glazing is not the solution.
What causes Condensation?
Excessive condensation on windows and other surfaces is an indication that humidity levels in the house are too high. The water vapour present in the air is the main cause of condensation. Air absorbs water in varying quantities and holds it in the form of water vapour. The amount of water absorbed depends on the temperature (in summers more water is absorbed and in winters less is absorbed). This makes the air moist. When this moist air comes in contact with a colder surface, in our case the window, it releases the moisture and deposits it on the surface. If the surface is absorbent, then the moisture is absorbed and is not visible. However, in case of windows, the surface is not absorbent; thus, the moisture takes form of mist and is clearly visible causing inconvenience.
Condensation on windows
Condensation often forms at the meeting rail and at the bottom of the lower sash on the interior of the glass. This is because when warm air cools, it falls down across the interior surface of the window at the same time the air's temperature is falling. The air contacts the horizontal surface of the meeting rail, which acts like a dam, slowing the air's rate of fall and creating the perfect opportunity for the trapped water vapor to escape and form on the meeting rail's surface. The air then rolls over the edge of the meeting rail and again gains speed until it encounters the lower handle of the sash. At this point, the water vapor again makes its exit and lies at the bottom of the sash.
Double Glazing and condensation
Installation of double glazing is not the solution to condensation problem. In stead by all means, double glazing could cause more condensation. To avoid so, available in the market are double glazing windows with silica balls installed in between the two panes of glass. Silica absorbs all the extra moisture and leaves the windows condensation-free.
How to avoid condensation
If the air in your home is very humid, not just the windows but also the walls, flooring and furniture in your home are affected. Thus, it is necessary to keep the moisture levels in your home under control. To do so, you need to first know what are the sources of moisture.
Sources for moisture in a home are typically showers, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, house plants, humans and pets, among others. In newly built homes, additional moisture may escape from building materials such as lumber, plaster and masonry for up to three heating seasons, even with proper airflow and temperature management.
Since sources of moisture and varied, it is necessary to zero down to areas in the house that emit maximum moisture. Kitchens and bathrooms can be easily spotted for these. So how is it that we can avoid condensation in our houses?
Ventilation
To increase ventilation in the house-
1. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry and bathrooms.
2. Avoid drying clothes inside the house. If using dryers, make sure they are properly vented or moisture being removed from clothes will remain in the house.
3. Vent gas burners, clothes dryers, etc. to the outdoors, not into attics or crawl spaces.
4. Closely monitor the furnace humidifier and any other humidifying devices.
5. Ensure that you have ventilating louvers in the attic, basements and other crawl spaces and these are amply sized.
6. Frequently open fireplace dampers. These are an excellent escape routes for moisture-laden air.
7. Air out your house a few minutes each day by opening and closing doors.
8. Ensure you open windows in the house for at least some time and let enough circulation take place.
9. Make sure your furnace is in proper working order and is serviced regularly.
10. Store firewood outside or in the garage. Wood when dries gives off moisture.
11. Make sure your windows are sealed.
Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier in simple words is a household appliance that reduces the level of humidity in air. In spite of enough ventilation if the problem of condensation persists, its time to invest in dehumidifiers. These come in all shapes and sizes from the small pot, which contains moisture absorbing crystals to the mains operated electric dehumidifiers, which are capable of drying out the whole house.
Household dehumidifiers are of three types
Heat pump dehumidifiers
Heat pump dehumidifiers are the most effective amongst all and are most commonly used. They extract moisture from the air with the help of a heat pump. A fan brings the air in contact with a cold coil, causing it to condense. Once, condensation has taken place, the droplets are allowed to drip in a bucket that is fitted inside the unit. Then the dry air is heated by a heated coil and exhausted at room temperature.
Chemical absorbent dehumidifiers
Chemical absorbent dehumidifiers function best in warm climates. As the name suggests, these dehumidifiers use a chemical drying agent, or desiccant, on a heat exchange wheel to absorb water molecules from the air. Damp air is sent outside via vents. Desiccant dehumidifiers require a lot of energy to operate and are more commonly used by industries than homeowners.
Dehumidifying ventilators
Dehumidifying ventilators draw outside air into the house. They have a sensor controller that is activated when humidity reaches a specified level. These dehumidifiers often are used in basements.
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