I’ve been waking up to find frost on the inside of my house windows. It’s causing water damage to the sills and making the house feel colder. I already keep the thermostat up and have tried weather stripping but it’s not enough. Does anyone have advice on effective solutions to prevent this?
I’ve had the same problem with frost forming on my windows, and it drove me nuts last winter. What worked for me was a combination of a few things:
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Dehumidifier: First off, consider getting a dehumidifier. Frost usually forms when there’s a high level of humidity inside meets the cold glass. A dehumidifier can significantly reduce the moisture in the air, making it less likely for frost to develop.
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Insulated Curtains: These can make a big difference. They’re designed to keep the cold out and the warmth in. Found some at Home Depot that were surprisingly effective. Make sure they cover the entire window to prevent drafts from sneaking in.
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Plastic Window Insulation Kits: Super cheap and easy to apply. It’s a hassle for a bit but essentially you cover the inside of your windows with this clear shrink film. Once you heat it up with a hair dryer, it seals tightly and creates a barrier that blocks out the cold air. My friend swears by the ones from 3M.
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Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in rooms where moisture builds up, like bathrooms and kitchens. Vent fans are crucial. When you shower, always use the exhaust fan to push that humid air outside.
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Window Insulation Tape: Another nifty trick which involves using rubber or silicone weatherstripping to block any air leaks. You mentioned you did some weather stripping, but make sure it’s done on all the seams. Draft snakes are good for window sills.
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Upgrade Windows: If budget allows, replacing single-pane windows with double or even triple-pane windows can drastically reduce condensation and frost buildup. They have a layer of gas like argon between the panes which improves thermal insulation.
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Check for Leaks: Inspect the outside of your windows. Sometimes caulking can crack or degrade. A good exterior caulk around the entire window can seal those sneaky drafts.
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Humidity Levels: In the meantime, keep your interior humidity levels below 40% during winter. Humidity meters are inexpensive and can help you keep track of this.
Someone also suggested using antifreeze for frost protection on windows. Sounds odd but if you have old single-pane windows it might help as a temporary fix. Gotta say, I didn’t try that one myself.
It’s really a mix of reducing humidity and improving insulation that will help you the most. Good luck, hope your mornings get less frosty soon!
Okay, some of that advice is alright, but really, do you want to bother with all that faff? Dehumidifiers, new windows, plastic sheeting? It sounds like a money pit and a hassle.
Here’s a reality check:
- Dehumidifiers - Sure, they reduce moisture but running one 24/7 adds to your electric bill.
- Insulated curtains - Okay, but they’re ugly and block natural light. Plus, still doesn’t fix the real issue.
- Really? Plastic Window Insulation Kits? Feel like living in a science project? They’re a pain to install and look tacky.
Just saying, those feel like over-the-top solutions. What you actually need to focus on:
1. Proper Ventilation - Make sure you’re not cooking with all windows closed and showering with doors tightly sealed. Cracking a window slightly is a simple fix.
2. Regular Monitoring - Use a humidity meter, but be realistic; maintaining below 40% in winter is easier said than done.
3. Weatherproofing - Instead of plastic kits, use proper rubber/silicone stripping that can handle the job invisibly and effectively. Strip it correctly, one time, and it works.
Avoid the gimmicks and over-complications. Get your vents right, do a decent job with stripping, and keep a close eye on humidity. Save your money, don’t make your home look like a construction zone.
So I see there’s some debate already about the best way to stop frost from forming on the inside of your windows. I’ll throw in my two cents, but I’ll try to sidestep the repetition and drop some fresh pointers. There might be some points of contention, and that’s all good. The more perspectives, the better!
Alright, let’s cut to it. @techchizkid and @codecrafter have some solid advice mixed with some overly complicated suggestions. Here’s a simplified version of tackling this issue:
1. Check the seals and frames first.
It’s not glamorous, but sometimes frost is more about drafts than humidity. Inspect carefully. Frame leaking? Get yourself some high-quality exterior caulk—clear silicone works best for varying weather.
2. Avoid Plastic Window Insulation Kits.
I’ve tried these “miracle” fixes, and sure, they work, but they make your windows look like a lab experiment. Skip 'em. Instead, spend a little more on thermal window films that aren’t an eyesore. This reminds me of a time I slapped one on, didn’t shrink it right, and ended up with a crinkled mess. Trust me, for aesthetics and sanity, go for something better.
3. Let’s talk about weather stripping.
Like @codecrafter mentioned, rubber or silicone weatherstripping is a lifesaver. Proper placement in seams and gaps can solve heaps of problems. Double-check those areas you might’ve missed. Small cracks—like where the pane meets the frame—can be sneaky. Hit those with insulating foam tape if needed.
4. Thermal Drapes without the Ugly.
I get it, insulated curtains can look dowdy. But nowadays you can find thermal drapes that don’t need to be hideous. Look for ones that match your decor. Layer them with your regular curtains. Cut drafts while maintaining appearances.
5. Dehumidifiers Can Be Overkill.
Unless you’re dealing with excessive humidity, you don’t need to run a dehumidifier 24/7 and jack up your electric bill. But if you’ve got an old one stashed away, running it now and then in high-humidity areas (kitchen, bathroom) isn’t a bad idea. Avoiding constant use, save for extreme cases.
6. Real Ventilation.
Proper airflow is key. Kitchens and bathrooms need those exhaust fans, but it’s not just that. Consider small things like not letting basements or crawlspaces fester in humidity over winter. And yeah, slightly cracked windows can do wonders without turning your home into an ice cube.
7. Pegboard Walls?
Thinking outside the box here. I’ve seen DIY enthusiasts go as far as mounting pegboards away from the wall slightly where serious drafts occur. Creates enough of a barrier to stop cold from infiltrating—though eye-pleasing solutions can take some creativity. Can also add decor if done well!
8. Try Houseplants for Humidity Regulation.
Bit of a twofer here. Certain houseplants like peace lilies or spider plants can absorb moisture and look good doing it. They won’t fix the problem single-handedly but could be a helpful and aesthetic addition. Plus, they improve air quality.
9. Insulating Paint Additive.
Ever heard of this? Mix it with regular interior paint, and it adds an insulating layer to your walls adjacent to your windows. Doesn’t sound like much? It can swing room temperatures by a few degrees and cut down on frost-forming cold.
10. Humidity Meters are No-Brainers.
Get at least one if not a couple for different rooms. They’re cheap and give real-time readings. Monitoring humidity can tell you if a quick misting of the dehumidifier is necessary or if you need to open a window for 30 minutes.
While I mostly agree with @techchizkid and @codecrafter, replacing windows can be excessive unless they’re particularly old and inefficient. Focus on maximizing what you currently have before investing in totally new installations. That said, if the budget allows, no harm in upgrading over time.
Honestly, the biggest advice: combine simple ventilation improvements, proper weatherproofing, and occasional humidity checks. Over-complicating won’t help, but under-complicating can leave you cold and frosty. Stay warm, and hopefully, this helps you choose what’s easiest and most effective for you.