TIPS & INFORMATION THAT MATTERS

During colder months, humidity in your home is desirable for comfort, but non-energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights can collect condensation or frost. This not only obscures your view, but can lead to mould growth in the frames and on sashes. That’s why Oriel Windows & Doors depend on ENERGY STAR® products. ENERGY STAR® windows need a higher indoor humidity to form condensation, meaning you can keep your home comfortable without having to worry over condensation running your windows, doors, or skylights. We recommend installing ENERGY STAR® windows in your bathroom and kitchen since those areas of the home face higher humidity levels.

• For excessive humidity – increase ventilation in the home

• For humidity issue once or twice during the winter – open two windows on opposite walls or turn on an exhaust fan if the room has one

• For persistent condensation – consider installing a controlled mechanical ventilation system, preferably with a heat recovery unit

• Disconnect humidifiers (fixed or portable) on your heating system

• Ensure clothes dryer is properly vented to the outside

• Turn on bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans when bathing or cooking

• Cover the beaten earth of crawl spaces with 0.15 mm (6mil) polyethylene (if needed, vent crawl space during the summer)

• Keep basement well drained and protected from excess moisture

• Make sure gutters and the slope of the land around your home drain water properly

• Store firewood outside

• Consider installing a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) if high humidity is a chronic problem

• Check that your mechanical ventilation system works and is turned on