Are you starting to notice water droplets covering the inside of your windows? Are they continually fogging up? With winter fast approaching in New Zealand, escaping condensation can be challenging. It is a common misconception that windows produce condensation. This is not true, windows cannot produce condensation, but it is often the first place where condensation can be seen. Consider this: you’re likely not surprised or worried when your bathroom mirror fogs up after a hot shower, or when your car windows mist over with several passengers inside. High humidity can lead to mold on walls, ceilings, and materials like curtains and carpets, and it can significantly contribute to the deterioration of homes and buildings. The good news is we’re here to help you understand what causes condensation, and how to reduce it, so your home stays warm, dry and comfortable, all year round.

What Causes Condensation in your home? 

1. Household Activity

Condensation forms when moisture in the air contacts a cooler surface, like a window. This common issue is largely caused by you and your families everyday activities within your home. Simple actions such as cooking, showering, and even breathing add significant moisture to the air.

Take a look at how much moisture is generated from everyday household activities.

2. Closed House During Construction in Particularly Wet Season

The amount of moisture that is released while the house dries out and trapped within the home of the first year is significant (read Build Magazine Article) up to a 1,000 litres can be released from the slab alone, let alone framing, carpet etc. This applies to most new houses – the solution for this is that they live in the house for 12-months and if the problem still exists contact their builder. It is a hard one to sell to the proud owner of a new home, but in most cases the problem simply goes away once the moisture within all the building products dries out.

3. Unique Location

The only other problem is when the site has a unique location, e.g. amongst trees down in a hollow.

Watch our video to understand what causes condensation

How to Minimise Condensation in Winter?

Improve Ventilation 

The very first thing to consider when it comes to alleviating condensation issues in your home is ventilation.

• Use Extractor Fans: Install extractor fans in areas where lots of steam is created regularly, like your kitchen or bathroom. This is a great way to get humid air out of your property quickly before it’s given the chance to settle in your home.
• Open Windows: Regularly open windows, even if just for a few minutes, to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce indoor moisture levels.

Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Fluctuating temperatures can contribute to condensation. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature helps.

• Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation reduces temperature differences between the interior and exterior, which helps in minimising condensation.
• HVAC System: An HVAC system plays a pivotal role in maintaining a consistent ambient temperature within your home. By regulating heat exchange it mitigates condensation and reduces moisture levels.

Make Lifestyle Changes 

Consider your everyday habits. Are you drying your laundry indoors without opening a window? Perhaps you’re cooking up a storm with pots of boiling water uncovered, or taking luxuriously long, hot showers? These everyday actions might seem harmless, but they create a perfect storm of steam and warm air. This excess moisture doesn’t just vanish, it lingers and often leads to condensation.