Fogged windows after showering or while cooking are not uncommon.
However, they can be a health hazard.
What you can do about it.
Window panes misting up from the inside can cause health risks such as
mold
.
It is important that homeowners ventilate several times a day.
Window heating increases the surface temperature of the cold areas on the panes.
Winter is coming in great strides: While the temperatures are cool outside, it is warm and cozy at home.
In winter, most people like to spend their time at home.
It is all the more important to feel comfortable in your own four walls.
In the darker months of the year, light and a clear view of the outside are particularly helpful for even more comfort.
This is difficult when windows mist up.
The full-service real estate service provider McMakler explains why windows fog up, why fogging is dangerous and what house and apartment owners should pay attention to in order to avoid fogging.
How do windows fog up?
A
high humidity
is often reason for moist slices.
In the bathroom, for example, the window is often wet after a shower.
Windows often mist up when cooking.
“When warm water vapor meets a cold surface, the vapor condenses into water.
In this case, the water condenses and collects on the panes, since the window pane belongs to the coldest point of the building envelope.
Particular care is required when windows mist up from the inside, ”says Matthias Klauser, Chief Revenue Officer of McMakler.
Steamed up windows: what are the dangers and risks?
“Steamed up windows cause stains on the walls or even cause the wallpaper to peel off the wall.
In addition to the visual disadvantages, there are also
health risks,
”warns Klauser.
Bacteria, mites and fungi prefer damp walls.
They release particles and substances into the room air, which can cause severe reactions in humans.
Residents can suffer from irritation of the eyes, respiratory tract and skin, among other things.
In addition, allergies can occur.
It is accordingly advisable to act preventively so that these dangers and risks do not arise in the first place.
Simple remedy: what can I do against fogged windows?
Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate: To prevent condensation, it helps to ensure a
constant room temperature
.
This includes regular ventilation and cooling so that the moisture generated in a warm room can escape.
“It is important that property owners ventilate several times a day.
It is best to open opposite windows for at least ten minutes.
This
creates
an
optimal exchange of air,
”explains the real estate expert from McMakler.
If rooms are of different warmth, the respective doors of the rooms must be closed.
Especially when showering and cooking, the following applies: Doors shut.
Furthermore, residents should not let their laundry dry in the house or apartment.
Also interesting
: How to keep mold growth in the bathroom at bay.
Danger of mold: technical solutions to avoid misted windows
Ventilation systems
are another simple method to prevent high humidity
.
These efficiently ventilate the property with the help of fans on the wall and draw the stale air out of the kitchen, bathroom, living room or bedroom.
Then new outside air flows into the individual rooms.
The easiest way is to plan ventilation systems directly for new buildings.
Hygrometers
, better known as humidity meters, are also useful for determining how humid the room air is.
Electronic devices usually deliver reliable results.
Property owners can only rely on pointer instruments if they are calibrated.
“If you have a hygrometer, you can use it to control the air humidity of the property and adjust the ventilation behavior accordingly.
Here are
50 to 55 percent humidity is ideal
, "shares with Klauser of McMakler.
It should be noted that the hygrometer is in a central position in the apartment or house so that it is also visible.
Avoid spots directly on windows, in the sun, above the heater or behind a curtain.
In addition, owners of rooms affected by moisture and mold should periodically measure with the hygrometer.
Suitable for this
: How to fight mold on windows and seals.
Room dehumidifiers (promotional link) can be bought by homeowners in stores to reduce the humidity in their property.
The room
dehumidifiers
work without electricity and
remove moisture from the air using special salt granules
.
If you use such a dehumidifier, you just have to remember to change the granulate block regularly.
"Since these models only have a low output, they can only be used in small rooms such as the guest toilet or in storage rooms," says Klauser.
If that is too time-consuming, you can use electric room dehumidifiers.
A disadvantage of these devices is that they can use a lot of electricity.
For this reason, owners should only select a device with a high efficiency class and only use it when necessary.
“Another way to avoid misting up windows is to use
window heating
.
It uses less electricity and does not drive up heating bills.
The window heating increases the surface temperature of the cold areas on the panes, ”explains Klauser from McMakler.
The heat-conducting cable is attached directly to or in a heating strip on the edge of the window, hence the name window heating.
Property owners should thoroughly clean and dry the glass before installing the cable.
Owners also need tools such as side cutters, strippers, Phillips and flat screwdrivers for assembly.
If the cables are too annoying, they can be covered with an aluminum strip.
* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen digital editorial network.
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