VIDEO: Avoid condensation on the window

The cause of the condensation

Condensation often forms inside the windowwhen it's cold outside. This is due to the water vapor contained in the air.

• When the temperatures approach or exceed the minus range, the air can no longer absorb as much water vapor. The cold air then hits a window, which has also cooled down. The excess water vapor is thus excreted at its dew point. This can be seen in the form of condensation on the window.
• Decades ago there were hardly any problems with condensation on windows. Leaky buildings automatically ensured that the rooms were adequately ventilated. At that time the air in the room was rather too dry.
• Today's energy-saving constraints have made it necessary for buildings to be hermetically sealed. What is an advantage when it comes to saving energy has a negative effect on the condensation on the window. The risk of condensation on the window increases with the humidity the room air is larger, especially when there is no air exchange with the outside air.

Use ventilation against moisture at the window

• This means that condensation appears on the window in particular where there is insufficient ventilation.


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• At the Ventilation it is not enough to tilt the window. When the windows are tilted, the heating energy is lost and condensation water on the window is promoted rather than avoided.
• The window must therefore be fully opened when ventilating. This is called burst ventilation. This should last between five and ten minutes.
• So ventilate your rooms three times a day for between five and ten minutes and you will no longer have to worry about condensation on the window. Ventilation is possible at any time of the year.
• In the rooms it is sufficient if the temperature is 20 degrees.

Remove condensation from windows

• Once the condensation has collected, you should wipe it up. The longer the moisture is collected on the window, the easier it is Mould form.
• Make sure that your home has a sufficient temperature. Even if you are not there, the temperature should not drop below 16 degrees.
• With a hygrometer, i.e. a moisture meter, you can measure the humidity in your home. This should always be between 40 and 60 percent. Outside of this area, you should open the windows to ventilate.
• Always open the windows all the way, but never for more than ten minutes. In this way you avoid a drop in temperature in your apartment, which would also generate condensation. If the ten minutes are not enough to bring the humidity below 60 percent, ventilate again an hour later. If this is still not enough, the air outside is probably too humid. In this case, however, there will be no condensation on the window.

Additional author: Claudia Thur