From school science lessons, we all know how and why condensation forms on the inside of windows. It’s all to do with the amount of humidity in the air, the temperature of the room and the temperature of the surface of the windows. Condensation is usually more noticeable in the Winter when the warm air temperature of our rooms meets the colder surface temperature of the glass in our windows, causing water droplets to form on the inside of the window.
High levels of condensation can cause wooden window frames to rot and mould to form. We can help prevent condensation building up by opening windows, keeping lids on saucepans, using an extractor fan when we are showering and by not drying washing on radiators, etc. However, although most of these efforts may help, they are unlikely to completely get rid of the excess water.
The best solution is to invest in a dehumidifier which removes excess water from the air, collecting it in the dehumidifier, so that it can then be poured away. The lack of moisture in the air means that there is not enough to condense on the windows. The air will feel warmer as the “damp feeling” has been eliminated. As the air in the room is now dryer, it warms up much quicker, enabling the thermostat to be turned down, thus saving money on heating bills.