Window Condensation in Indiana: What’s Normal vs. What’s Not

If you’re like many Indiana homeowners, you’re concerned about the rising costs of heating and cooling your home. In the Carmel area, for example, winter temperatures can plunge well below freezing at night and remain around 40 degrees F. by day. And while the summers are a bit more temperate, the heat and humidity are often intense enough to keep your air conditioner cycling on many times throughout the day, thus driving up your energy costs and potentially taking a toll on your cooling system.

You probably know that your windows play a big role in protecting your home’s indoor climate control. So it’s not surprising that you’re wondering if the condensation you see on your windows is a sign that their energy efficiency has been compromised.

The good news is that foggy windows are often normal and to be expected when the outdoor temperatures change as day transitions into night and vice versa. However, it’s also true that some kinds of condensation can mean a window’s insulation features are failing, and it’s time to consider replacing it. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can determine whether those water droplets on your window glass are normal or not.

When Window Condensation Is Nothing to Worry About

When moisture accumulates on the interior surface of window glass in the winter and the exterior side in the summer, it’s probably nothing to worry about, especially if it can be easily wiped away. This often happens in the early morning due to outdoor temperature fluctuations, and the condensation typically disappears as the day wears on.

Windows in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other indoor areas where heat and humidity are common can also become steamy on cold winter days as outside air comes into contact with the warm glass. This is similar to the effect of condensation forming on a glass of ice water that sits on a table in a warm room.

Conversely, droplets are likely to form on the exterior surface of window glass in the summertime, when outdoor water vapor comes into contact with glass that’s been cooled by your air conditioning system.

When Moisture Accumulates Between Window Panes

If you observe condensation building between two layers of glass in a double- or triple-paned window, that’s usually a sign of window seal failure. When this happens, not only is your home exposed to air leaks that can drive up your energy costs, but your window is also at risk of developing mold growth if the problem is not addressed. In this case, replacing the window is usually the best solution.

Another sign of energy inefficiency is condensation on the interior side of your window in the spring and summer. In some cases, taking steps to lower the humidity in your home can resolve this problem. But excessive condensation on the interior glass surface during the warmer months can be a sign of a poorly insulated window that should be replaced.

What to Do if You Need Window Replacement Services in Carmel, IN

Surber’s Windows & Doors is a well-established exterior home remodeling company that offers beautiful, energy-efficient, vinyl-framed replacement windows with a proven track record for reliable performance in the Carmel area. We’ve been outfitting homes in this region with replacement windows since 1984, so you can count on us to expertly install your new windows so that they look great and deliver all of their advertised energy efficiency benefits.

Contact Surber’s Windows & Doors today if you live in or near Carmel and you’d like to explore your options for energy-efficient replacement windows from our company.