Misting windows is a natural phenomenon, but it can also be a problem for many people, especially in autumn and winter. This is due to the difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the house and the high humidity.
Wet windows in winter
If the excess moisture is not removed outside, water vapour condenses and forms droplets on the windows. This phenomenon can also be caused by basic household chores such as cooking, baking, ironing and taking a hot bath.
However, to avoid fogging of windows, excess moisture must be systematically vented outside through ventilation systems. However, if it turns out that it is not working properly, i.e. it does not properly supply or extract fresh air, all that remains is to ventilate the rooms by opening the windows and doors wide. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal solution in autumn and winter, as it mainly results in higher heating bills.
Excessive moisture and our health
Steamed up windows are the result of an improperly functioning ventilation system, which is responsible for removing air and the water vapour it contains. If there is no proper ventilation, moisture accumulates in the room. Its excess contributes to the formation of fungi and moulds, which are very harmful, even toxic to our bodies. They cause many diseases, mainly of the upper respiratory tract, but also allergies. They can also cause headaches, fatigue and even damage to internal organs, such as the kidneys or liver. These types of fungi are not very demanding, which is why they can easily grow on any surface.
As you can see, fungi and mould not only negatively affect the aesthetics of a room, but also, through the production of mycotoxins, which are some of the most potent plant-based poisons, can contribute to threats to our health and life. That is why it is so important to prevent mould growth in the rooms where we live and work.
Above all, proper ventilation
The main cause of window condensation is the lack of an efficient ventilation system. If it does not work properly, excess moisture is not removed from the room, which leads to the process of condensation, i.e. the condensation of water vapour, which settles on windows or walls. In this case, it is important to pay attention to many significant factors that disrupt the operation of the ventilation system and ensure a constant supply of fresh air. In many cases, this is due to the excessive sealing of the house or flat, as modern windows are very airtight. In this situation, it may help to unseal the windows or to build in ventilators that have sensors to regulate the supply of fresh air to the house depending on the level of humidity inside the room.
Ways to prevent windows from fogging up
To prevent windows from fogging up in rooms with excessive humidity, we need to remember a few important things. First of all, the temperature should be kept constant throughout the day. In addition, it should not be lower than 18°C or higher than 21°C. Clothes should not be dried in the flat. When cooking, baking or, for example, taking a bath, the door should be closed and the room should be well ventilated after these activities. You should also limit the number of potted plants. All rooms in your house or flat should be heated, even those that are not used by us, and the temperature in them should not fall below 17℃. To maintain proper air circulation in them, large pieces of furniture should not be placed too close to the walls. This can disrupt the airflow and lead to condensation on the walls, which will result in moisture build-up. Such an environment is ideal for mould and fungi, which are toxic to our health.
If we keep these few important points in mind, we will certainly be able to deal with excessive humidity in rooms and prevent it.
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