Hazards of condensation during this cold snap

DELTA (NEWS 1130) – Have you had problems with condensation around your windows this winter? It’s been a problem for some people during this colder than usual winter, and if you don’t address it properly, it could have some serious ramifications on your home and health.

“If it goes into the wood and or drywall, it could cause some microbial growth or mould,” explains Troy Bailey from Service Master Restoration. “That could contribute to respiratory problems, health problems down the road.”

Condensation is water and the moisture could damage the structure to your apartment or house. Those are the worst case scenarios, but there are ways to reduce it, or even eliminate it.

Adding double pane, or more energy-efficient windows is generally viewed as your best case scenario, but that cost can be prohibitive for some with the bill running into the thousands of dollars. You can also invest in a dehumidifier from a hardware store.

Run the fan or turn up the heat

Sometimes simple air movement can do the trick. “If you have a bathroom fan, or some sort of fan in your house, just by circulating the air you can help reduce some of it that collects on the window,” offers Bailey. “You can even increase the heat in the house. Something as simple as that.”

By changing the temperature slightly, it will affect the dew point temperature so the condensation won’t build up around the home.

Go plastic

“You can add window insulation kits, where you can do a film that goes over the top,” says Bailey who adds it’s a tactic that’s been a staple for a many colder regions across the country. “You can use a blow dryer to tighten it up and that’ll create a sort of barrier.”

With milder weather projected in the forecast for the coming days, Mother Nature might also help the situation.

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