Alternative Energy Answers

(Page 3 of 3)

February/March 2006
By Ken Sheinkopf 
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REDUCING WINDOW CONDENSATION

RELATED CONTENT

We live in an older house that hasn’t been remodeled much over the years, and we get a lot of condensation on our windows. I know you would recommend replacing them with newer windows, but can we do anything about this without spending much money?

—Bernice W.
Omaha, Nebraska

Basic windows with single or even double panes that have standard aluminum frames can cause water vapor to condense on the inside of the windows during winter. That water often drains to the bottom of window sills where it can rot the sills and even ruin the wall finish and sheetrock. Condensation can be a problem in summer, too, when moisture collects on the outside of windows after the glass surface falls below the dew point.

Certainly these problems can block your exterior view, but what’s worse is the damage they can cause to your home. Frankly, it’s hard to eliminate all the moisture that accumulates on windows, which is especially prevalent in single-pane windows or in homes with inadequate ventilation. But controlling this moisture problem can help reduce the growth of mold, mildew and damage to the walls.

One thing you can do is lower your home’s indoor humidity. Use vent fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to remove moisture from the house. Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outdoors and the exhaust is flowing freely out of the machine and into the vent. In winter, cover your windows with storm windows or insulation kits available at hardware stores. If you have a humidifier, make sure it’s not set to put too much moisture into the home’s air.

Ken Sheinkopf is a communications specialist with the American Solar Energy Society (www.ases.org).

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Comments

  • peter 1/2/2008 1:59:34 AM

    I built my first solar home with old tech over 25 years ago and
    would like to do it again. I am a little confused about how much an
    energy efficient 720 sq ft converted container home would use
    without loosing all of the modern tech

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