Your home should be comfortable and safe. However, if you’ve noticed signs of high humidity in the house, you could be exposing your family to dangerous threats, like mildew and mold. This is particularly true if you live in a humid environment. Air leakage from your windows is a prime culprit here and new windows can help you reduce humidity in your home and protect your family and possessions.
Signs of Humidity in Your Home
Old windows allow air to leak into and out of your home in a couple of ways. First, very old, single-pane windows are very bad at preventing airflow in the first place. Old windows can also leak around the frame. Some of the signs to watch for that indicate you could have high humidity in your home include:
- Condensation on the inside of your window glass and frames
- Damp fabrics, including furniture
- Visible mold and mildew on surfaces inside your home
Not sure if you have high humidity in your home? The ice cube test is an easy way to tell. Add three ice cubes to a glass of water, stir, and then set it out in your home (anywhere but the kitchen, where it’s often warmer). Start a timer and watch the walls of the glass. If you notice condensation form within four minutes, your home has high humidity.
How New Windows Can Help
New windows can dramatically reduce the amount of humidity in your home. New double and triple-pane designs offer substantially more resistance to air leakage, and they can also block UV light and other threats. It’s not just the glass, though.
Those new windows also come with modern frames that don’t leak around the edges, and the professional who installs your windows will also seal the opening to prevent air leakage. However, understand that until your HVAC system (or dehumidifier) has a chance to remove the moisture from the air, new windows may increase condensation because they lock humid air inside.
All windows will eventually need to be replaced. Seals degrade and frames deteriorate over time, through use, and from exposure to the elements. If you’re not sure if your windows need to be replaced or would like to know more about your options in terms of replacement windows, Rusco Windows and Doors can give you a quote and explain the many window options on the market today.