Why You May Experience Condensation on Your New Replacement Windows (with videos)

Every once in a while, we get calls from previous customers asking about window condensation. They are usually wondering if their new windows are faulty because they were expecting that with replacement windows, window condensation would be a thing of the past.

What we have to explain to our customers is that window condensation is a normal occurrence. As long as the condensation isn’t in between your window panes, which can indicate you have a failed window seal, there is no need to be concerned about condensation. In fact, condensation can mean that your windows are actually working just as they should be!

Exterior and interior condensation occur for different reasons. Here’s what you need to know about both of them:

Exterior Window Condensation

Exterior window condensation typically forms when cool nighttime temperatures follow a warm day, which is an almost everyday occurrence in San Diego. You could think of it like dew forming on your windows, just like it does on grass.

When the temperature of the exterior glass panel falls below the dew point, condensation develops. With older, non-energy-efficient windows, the air inside your home may keep your glass warm enough on most days to keep them from fogging up. However, when you install well-insulated replacement windows, they help to keep the warm air from escaping your home on cold days. The exterior pane in a dual pane window stays cooler, making it more likely to get condensation on it during cold nights or mornings. Once the day starts to warm up, the condensation should go away.

Exterior condensation is a good indication that your windows are keeping the warm air in, which means that during the winter, your home will stay nice and cozy without having to constantly run the heater.

One of our preferred replacement window manufacturers, Anlin Windows, has put out this short video that explains exterior window condensation in greater detail:

Interior Window Condensation

Interior condensation occurs for a different reason than exterior window condensation. If you see condensation on the inside glass panel of your replacement windows, it’s a good indication that your home has too much moisture in the air. If you’re just noticing interior window condensation since you had replacement windows installed, it probably means that your old windows were drafty and let out some of that moisture.

There are several easy things you can do to reduce the moisture inside your home, which will also help with window condensation. Here are a few of them:

• Use exhaust fans when cooking and showering
• Run your ceiling fans
• Use a dehumidifier
• Open windows when the weather allows

The presence of condensation doesn’t mean that your windows are faulty. It means that they are providing an airtight seal in your home.

Learn more about interior window condensation in this short video, also produced by Anlin Windows:

Condensation in Between the Window Panes

If you have condensation in between the two glass panels of your dual pane windows, that could be an indication of a problem. Typically, it means that a seal has failed and moisture has gotten in between the panes. If you have older windows, this could be a good time to consider replacing your windows with new ones.

If you have newer windows, their warranty should cover the repair or replacement of the faulty window. Windows purchased from BM Windows come with a lifetime warranty, so if you ever see condensation between the panes of windows we installed, contact us and we will make sure it gets taken care of.

Ready for Replacement Windows for Your San Diego Home?

Are your ready for more energy-efficient windows in your San Diego home? We’d love to talk with you about our products and why we believe they are some of the best replacement windows on the market for the money. Contact us today to set up your free, in-home consultation.