Improve Your Home’s Humidity
Many parts of Texas are known for being hot and humid outside, and the humidity in the air has a way of coming inside and causing issues. Here are some tips to help you understand the humid air at home and how to control it.
Indoor Humidity and Moisture
Condensation occurs when warm moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, like when a cold glass of water gathers condensation on the outside of the glass. Activities, such as cooking, showering and washing dishes add moisture to your home’s air. Windows that aren’t properly sealed can also allow moisture into your home. However, too much moisture in your home can cause water damage when condensation accumulates on surfaces.
Why New Windows Fog Up
If your new windows have fog on their exterior on a cold morning or in the winter, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t working. In fact, it means the opposite. When inefficient windows fog up on the interior, it means that they are cold enough to cause condensation that can drip onto the wall and window frame and cause damage. It also means cold air is infiltrating your home through the windows.
If your new windows fog up on the outside but not the inside, it means they are doing their job by completely keeping cold air out of your warm, comfortable home. That’s a win for both energy-efficiency and your bank account!
Controlling Moisture and Humidity
One of the best ways to control humidity is through dehumidifiers and humidifiers. Dehumidifiers work by drawing air in and cooling it to the dew point (the temperature at which water in the air condensates), collecting the water and sending dry air out. Humidifiers add moisture to the air by blowing evaporated water into it.
If you experience foggy windows (on the interior) or a lot of condensation on other surfaces, you can use the following tips to help reduce your air’s humidity:
- Invest in a dehumidifier
- Install vent fans in the kitchen and bathrooms
- Get some moisture-absorbing houseplants
- Cover pots when cooking (as well as aquariums and other containers of water)
- Increase air circulation by leaving doors open
Remember that foggy windows could be an indicator of energy inefficiency. For more information about windows and efficiency or to invest in more energy-efficient windows, contact Window World TX today.
