Are new windows defective if they have condensation?

11/11/2014 at 5:15:26 PM

Hi Sharon,

Your main problem with condensation in front of the windows is air circulation. You need the air in front of the window to keep moving all the time so it has no time to deposit water on the glass that is the colder part in the windows.

If you have forced air system you should keep the FAN on ON and not on AUTO this will keep air circulation flowing and reduce or eliminate the condensation.

A better window is always improving but you need to get at least Energy Star windows to improve it.

You can also get windows with triple glass or Krypton gas inside.

Hope this can help.

Thanks,

Harry C.

11/11/2014 at 6:37:59 PM

Thank you!

11/11/2014 at 8:28:57 PM

There can be a few reasons why you are getting condensation on your windows but the fact that they are new windows points to one scenario.

Imagine when you and a few people get into a car and its raining outside or damp in general from the weather conditions, what happens - the windows fog up from everyone breathing out warm air and it causes condensation to form on your windows. Well your house and the windows in your home react the same way.

So what to do, make sure to improve the flow of air in the home\room, return air vents in the hallways help, doors that are cut so there is at least a 1/2" space at the bottom, and most importantly this could mean you have a lot of moister in the air and using a dehumidifier will help or turning down the humidifier on your furnace.

Try this and and you should see big improvements.

11/11/2014 at 10:28:54 PM

Thank you for your helpful answers.

When we built our house in 1983, we made sure the vapour barrier was relatively air tight for the sake of energy efficiency. We were advised to put in an air to air heat exchanger, but be haven't been using it much because the bearings have worn out and it's very difficult to replace the motor.

It's good to know it's not the windows that are the problem.