Is it Normal to Have Ice on the Inside of Windows?

Waking up to a frozen winter wonderland is a mesmerizing experience. The frosted landscape looks incredible, but it’s not as exciting when you discover frost inside your windows. Keep reading to learn more about the cause of ice on the inside of windows and what you can do to eliminate frosting, condensation, and ice inside windows.

Is it Normal to Have Ice on the Inside of Windows?

Older homes in cold climates are prone to developing frost on the interior of the windows, even if they feature double-pane glass. Moisture condensates on the inside of the windows, freezing into a thin sheen of Ice. The frost will eventually melt, causing damage to the seals and wooden frames around the windows. This further exacerbates the issue causing long-term damage that requires the homeowner to replace the windows.

What Is the Cause of Ice Inside the Windows?

The most common causes of frost building on the interior of windows are leaky windows and excessive indoor humidity levels in your home. When the cooler outside air enters the room and mixes with the warm, humid air, it forms water vapor.

The moisture in the air drawn from the window liquidizes when the temperature drops below the dew point, forming frost as it freezes.

Common Areas of the Home that Experience Interior Frosting on Windows

It’s most common to see this frosting effect in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. This is where temperature changes interact most with moisture in the room. Fortunately, it’s easy to resolve this issue in these locations by installing an exhaust fan in the room. This addition balances the air at the right humidity and temperature to prevent ice crystals and frosting.

If you find the frosting effect on windows in a room, adjust the thermostat settings to make the space cooler. You might have to use a blanket to stay warm, but it eliminates the frosting effect. While it won’t make things comfortable in the room, the upside is that you’ll save on your energy bill and extend the life span of your windows.

How to Eliminate Frosting, Condensation, and Ice Inside Windows

Keeping the temperature consistent throughout rooms in the home is the best way to prevent the frosting effect on your windows. However, there are other things you can do to prevent your windows from freezing on the inside including:

Run a Dehumidifier

If you experience frosting problems in high-humidity rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry, run a dehumidifier in the room. This device pulls the excess moisture from the air, eliminating ice inside windows.

Run Exhaust Fans

Increase ventilation in these high-humidity locations in the home by installing an exhaust fan. Run the fans when you’re cooking or showering to remove the excess moisture in the air caused by these activities. Sometimes, running a space heater in the room where the frost is appearing in windows can help.

However, you’ll need to ensure you get the right size fan for the room and don’t drop the relative humidity (RH) too far. Reducing the RH below 55% makes the air too dry, resulting in additional issues such as damaged paint and wood warping or shrinkage.

Seal Joints

As discussed, air leaks in the window frames or seals allow cold air to enter the room, causing condensation and frosting on interior panes. Stop the cool air from entering by sealing the joints around the window frames with insulation or caulk.

As a temporary solution, use plastic film to cover the window pane. Wrap it around the frame, preventing the cold air from getting through. It’s a simple DIY task.

After wrapping the frame in plastic, use a hair dryer to shrink it for a snug fit. Don’t get too close to the film with the hair dryer, or you’ll warp or melt the plastic.

Hang Heavy Curtains

The final solution is to hang thermal curtains or heavy drapes. This strategy creates a barrier between the warm air in the room and the cold entering through the windows. It’s also a good way to prevent heat loss.

Replace the Windows

Every home, especially those in cold climates, eventually requires window replacements. If you’re moving into a new property, check the condition of the windows before closing on the deal.

Work with your local window installation company and learn which Energy Star-certified, energy-efficient windows are best for your home.

Additional Reading: Can You Replace Windows When It’s Cold Out?

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