NORTH BROWARD & BOCA Blog

Beat the Drip: Smart Solutions for a Dry, Comfortable Home

Why is there condensation on the inside of my windows and doors?

When your home is nice and tight (good insulation and air sealing) with minimal external air flowing in and out of your home, coupled with cooler temperatures in South Florida, then humidity gets trapped in your home.

In South Florida, cold weather combined with high humidity levels indoors creates the ideal condition for condensation to occur, particularly on windows, doors, and other external facing surfaces.

Because homes may be well insulated and have airtight windows and doors, keeping the humidity level in the 30 – 50% range, is 100% dependent on mechanical air flow, which is the function of the air conditioner.

However, since South Florida has had a very cool winter season, with unseasonably low temperatures, it means that A/C’s have not been cycling as much, so air movement  within the home is at an all time low.

An air conditioner has  two jobs in every home:

1.      Job#1 is to cool the temperature of the air in the house.  Mother nature, or the climate has been doing that job for the A/C this season

2.      Job#2 is to remove humidity from the air or dry the air in the house.  However, since the A/C has not had to do job#1, it is also not doing job#2.

As a result, overall indoor air quality is not great, while the temperature in the house is good, the humidity in the house is higher than usual, and with nothing to reduce that humidity, your windows and doors which are exposed to cooler temperatures overnight,  will show signs of condensation.

The air in your home has a higher than normal level of humidity as the A/C is not cycling long enough  or not at all, to dry the air.

Remember, our homes are constantly adding to the indoor humidity levels – when we breathe, when we cook, when we take a hot shower or bath. 

If the A/C is not  running, all that water vapor is trapped inside the house with nowhere to go, and as soon as it comes into contact with a cooler surface it turns from vapor to liquid.

Why Fixing Condensation is Important:

Addressing condensation in South Florida homes is crucial for several reasons:

1. Comfort: Condensation can lead to dampness and discomfort indoors, making it unpleasant for occupants, especially during colder weather.

2. Structural Damage: Excessive condensation can cause water damage to building materials such as drywall, wood, and insulation, leading to rot, mold growth, and structural deterioration over time.

3. Health Concerns: Mold growth resulting from condensation can pose health risks to occupants, exacerbating respiratory issues and allergies.

4. Energy Efficiency: Condensation on windows and doors can reduce the effectiveness of insulation and increase heating/cooling costs as homeowners may compensate by using more energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

How to Fix Condensation issues when the temperature is cooler in South Florida:

1. Improve Ventilation: Increase airflow throughout the home by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, opening windows periodically, and installing a whole-house ventilation system to reduce humidity levels indoors.

2. Seal Air Leaks: Inspect windows, doors, and other potential entry points for air leaks, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent warm indoor air from escaping and condensing on cold surfaces.

3. Upgrade Insulation: Improve insulation in attics, walls, and crawl spaces to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce the risk of condensation on surfaces.

4. Use Dehumidifiers: Install dehumidifiers in areas prone to high humidity levels, such as basements and laundry rooms, to remove excess moisture from the air and prevent condensation buildup.

5. Consider Window Treatments: Install double-pane or low-emissivity (low-e) windows to reduce heat transfer and minimize condensation on window surfaces. Additionally, use insulated curtains or blinds to provide an extra barrier against cold outdoor temperatures.

6. Monitor Indoor Humidity: Invest in a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels regularly and keep them within the recommended range of 30-50% to prevent condensation issues.