Winter has officially arrived and with the cold weather comes condensation. Condensation is created when gaseous humidity and water vapor convert to a liquid as a sudden drop in temperature occurs at the surface with which it interacts. Condensation forms on windows, doors, and even the walls of a room when the outside temperature is colder and has a lower relative humidity than the interior.
Condensation most commonly occurs in the winter when the outdoor temperatures are at their lowest. However, it can also take place year round in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and essentially any room with an excess of steaming or boiling water. Having a great deal of indoor plants will also increase condensation, since plants are constantly releasing water vapor into the atmosphere. Because of this, greenhouses and garden windows are also common victims of condensation.
Having high efficiency window and door systems often cause structures to experience regular condensation issues. The tight seals on the structures’ doors and windows may prevent the outside weather from entering, but this means humid air is also trapped inside with no release. Increasing air circulation with fans and vents, using a dehumidifier, and eliminating the water source altogether (if possible) are all excellent ways to keep condensation at bay this winter.
For more information about Condensation, please download Solar’s understanding CRF PDF. This information is also contained in our full product binder. Contact a Solar Innovations, Inc. Sales Designer to request your copy today!