Should new windows have condensation on the inside?

If you have recently purchased new windows, it is natural that you will want to ensure that they are functioning optimally. So, when you happen to start noticing small water droplets occasionally forming on the inside of your new windows, then it is a good idea to check whether this is something to be concerned about. 

For a short and sweet takeaway as to whether new windows should have condensation on the inside – the answer is yes. Yes, condensation on the inside of windows is totally normal, but it depends on which inner surface that is in question. 

It is time well spent that you do the background research before an important purchase, like a new set of windows. These days, you can buy inexpensive and high quality energy-efficient windows, but it is important that you buy them from a trusted seller who you can go to – should your new windows have condensation on the inside of the double-glazing or any other problem. As a customer-centered brand, Klar stands 100% behind its products and offers a 10 year warranty.

Condensation is a natural occurrence on energy-efficient windows

If the condensation forms on the surface that you are able to touch when you are inside the building, then it is a positive sign that the windows are doing their job in keeping the heat inside. Just how well a window can provide good insulation is measured by the U-Factor, where the lower the number, the better the energy efficiency. Klar triple-glazed windows are very energy efficient, with a U-value of 0.7.

However, should new windows have condensation on the inside between the two panes of glass of a double-glazed window, then it indicates a potential problem. When there are water droplets that form in the interior of a double-glazed window, it could mean that the seal has broken and needs maintenance or a replacement. 

How condensation forms on windows

In responding to the query as to whether new windows should have condensation on the inside, it can be helpful to take a step back to gain a wider perspective. Let’s look at how condensation forms in the first place to get a clearer picture. 

For some simple science basics, condensation is the opposite of evaporation. Evaporation occurs when water liquid becomes a vapor, like when a rain puddle shrinks over the course of the day under the hot sun. Just like the science here comes alive a bit with the image, at Klar we like clear visual presentations – which is why we have put so much effort into our digital showroom.

And now back to condensation. It happens when vapor turns into liquid, like when warm air meets cooler surfaces. Natural condensation takes form in dew, fog, frost, mist and clouds. This can also manifest as water droplets or misting on the inside windows when the humidity inside a building is high. 

Extra moisture in your home environment

When the humid air comes into contact with the cold surface, it cools down rapidly and turns into water droplets. Just think of the droplets of water that form on a bowl of ice cream in the summer. This is exactly what happens when the warm air inside your home collides with the cold surface of the window when the weather outside is significantly cooler than the temperature inside. So, should your new windows have condensation on the inside when the outside temperature has dropped, you will now know why this occurs on your windows.

Of course, the more water there is in the air, then the more condensation can form on your windows. According to the Cambridge City Council, the following chart details how many pints of water are added in association with certain activities and just how much extra moisture you can accrue in your home on a daily basis:

*we advise against the discontinuation of breathing.

Daily total = 22 pints of extra moisture in your home environment

💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧 💧

In light of this information, it is clear to see how new windows have condensation on the inside, especially when temperatures outside are cooler, like in the autumn and winter seasons. And if your windows are very large, like with the floor to ceiling windows – that Klar offers both a fixed and an opening model – then there is a more expansive surface where condensation is likely to form. Should your new windows have condensation on the inside and you feel it is more than usual, then it might be because you have been adding extra moisture to your home environment.

What can I do about the condensation on the inside of my new windows?

There are two main ways to go about managing excess condensation on your windows. For current windows you should ventilate regularly, preferably on a daily basis. When it’s toasty and warm inside and icy cold outside, Klar’s triple-glazed windows can have considerable condensation as a sign that they are performing excellently, as they are designed to, by keeping not letting the warm air escape. Very well insulated houses often have this problem because moisture doesn't naturally escape as in older houses that are less energy-efficent. 

Another option is to buy a window with a trickle vent so you can ventilate continuously without significantly affecting the home’s inside temperature. As a related fun fact, in the UK it is mandatory to install trickle vents.

FAQ

When is condensation likely to occur on my windows?

When there is a significant difference between the outside air temperature and the temperature inside your home, condensation can easily occur on windows and even walls inside a building. 

How can I protect my wooden window frames against excess condensation?

Condensation is a natural occurrence, but you can prevent the wood from being too wet by simply wiping off the excess moisture and regularly airing out.

Should my new windows have condensation on the inside and outside, too?

Reverse condensation can also form on the outside of the windows when the outside temperature is hot and humid and the inside temperature is significantly cooler, like when you are using air-conditioning.