Are your windows wet from the inside in the morning? Then you're like many of us: In many parts of Germany, the air cooled down significantly overnight. In many regions the time has come again.
The condensation on the windows is a clear indication, even without looking at the thermometer, that the temperatures have dropped. After cold nights, the surprise comes in the morning. The windows in the bedrooms and kitchen are particularly badly affected.
You should definitely not ignore condensation on the windows. In the worst case scenario, it can lead to mold.
Why are the windows wet in the morning?
Condensation on windows occurs when the humidity in the living room is high and the temperatures outside are frosty. The water vapor contained in the air forms condensation on cold surfaces such as window panes.
The problem:If the humidity is too high, harmful mold can form. Initially on so-called cold bridges, but in the long term also on the walls.
According to consumer advice centers, a four-person household produces between six and twelve liters of water per day, which is released into the air through sweating and breathing. Pets and houseplants also release moisture into the air.
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This helps against wet windows
To minimize condensation on the windows and find the right balance between temperature and humidity, you should follow these four simple rules:
- Wipe off the condensation daily with a dry cloth.
- Provide shock ventilation or cross-ventilation at least three times a day. It is better to ventilate four to five times a day for 5 to 10 minutes.
- You should always ventilate after cooking, showering, bathing and even after sleeping.
- Try to keep the temperature indoors as constant as possible. Or close the doors to other rooms if there is hardly any heating in them.
- Wool carpets help reduce humidity and prevent condensation on windows. Their fibers absorb moisture from the air.
If you have problems with excessive humidity, aquariums, indoor fountains and many house plants can also be among the causes. In these rooms you then have to think more about ventilation and heating.
But be careful: Continuous ventilation with the window tilted does more harm than good in this case.
Another tip to..., is that, for example, you don't dry your damp laundry in the apartment. Balconies, gardens, drying rooms, attics or even dry basements are more suitable.
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Waterlogging behind curtains and pleats
One place where you rarely check whether condensation has formed on the window panes is curtains. In particular pleated blinds.
If these are pulled down to the bottom edge of the window, you won't see the condensation at first glance. But this is where moisture tends to build up. So remember to check what the moisture is like when you have all kinds of privacy protection behind it.
Ideal room climate to avoid condensation on the window
The ideal living environment should be loudConsumer advice centerat a temperature between 18 and 20 °C, with a humidity between 40 and 60%. However, the experts advise that the temperature in the apartment should not fall below 16 °C. So not heating at all is not an option either.
The room temperature also influences the humidity. Warm air can hold more water. Increasing the temperature can sometimes help.
Here you should be guided by the recommended temperature for the respective room. So it's best to get oneThermo-Hygrometer(here at Amazon*), so you always have the temperature and humidity in view.
Depending on the building structure and insulation, differences can of course occur. While high humidity of 60% is not a problem in a new building, even over longer periods of time, moisture damage can occur at levels as low as 40% in an older building.
Condensation despite ventilation
Sometimes it's like magic: you follow all the recommendations, ventilate like a professional and yet the windows are wet in the morning. In this case, the structure of the house may be to blame. With aDehumidifier(Here's a top-rated device on Amazon*) you can solve the problem in the short term and prevent mold.
But this is not a permanent solution. If you live in your property, you should hire an appraiser to look at the situation. If you live in a rented apartment, you should inform your landlord or landlady about the condensation problem in the long term.
Wet windows after renovation?
Let's stay with the building structure: If the apartment or house has been renovated, the tasks regarding ventilation and heating habits can also change.
For example, if the old windows in an old building have been replaced with modern windows, mold can sometimes form because the newer windows seal much more tightly and there is no longer any air exchange.
One way to counteract this is with so-called window rebate ventilators: These ensure an exchange of air in order to avoid mold damage (talk to the house or apartment owner before installation).
This is of course positive in terms of heating energy, which is lost less and also that it is probably more unfortunate than before.
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But this is exactly the moment when you have to change your previous ventilation habits. If you have just moved into a new home, it is best to ask your landlord what the best course of action is for this apartment.
