Thinking back to the winters of your youth, as you would stare longingly at the snowy landscape, you might recall ice accumulating along the bottom of your window panes. Back in the day, ice buildup was just something that happened: a reality to be tolerated, more so than tackled.
Nowadays, we know better. Now we understand that ice covered windows can lead to structural and aesthetic damage to your windows and your home. Prolonged ice exposure can lead to rotten wood, cracked paint, discolored window frames, or even the presence of mold. These problems are particularly prevalent in single pane windows.
If you have noticed ice beginning to creep along the edges of your windows, you may be wondering what you can do about it. Follow these seven tips to prevent home damage and keep the ice and frost at bay.
Have Your Gas Appliances Evaluated
Do you heat your home or run your stove with gas? In that case, call a professional to have the system evaluated. It is possible that damaged equipment could be releasing excess water vapor into the air. In addition to being bad for your windows, this could be very bad for your health.
Look for Plumbing Leaks
Any added moisture in your home can contribute to the icy problem. Make sure that none of your faucets are leaking and that your plumbing system seems to be intact. If you discover any leaks, have them repaired right away.
Modify the Placement of Your Plants
If you have plants at home, consider consolidating them all into one room. This limits the scope of their moisture output. Also, avoid overwatering them. Consider making a weekly watering schedule.
Store Your Firewood Outdoors
Firewood contains a lot of moisture. If you have been stacking wood inside for easy access to your wood stove, here is a bit of bad news. Keeping firewood inside releases moisture into the air, and this might be contributing to the frost on your windows. Move your firewood outdoors.
Run a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier works just like a humidifier, but in reverse. Rather than pumping the air with added moisture, a dehumidifier draws moisture out. If you have access to one of these marvelous machines, consider turning it on in your home. By drawing moisture out of the air, your windows are less likely to accumulate condensation.
Place a Towel on the Windowsill
Take a clean, rolled up towel and situate it on your windowsill. Ideally, you want it to be just a tiny bit away from the glass. This towel will absorb excel moisture and condensation before it has the chance to freeze. Change the towel every 1-2 days, or as needed.
Increase the Temperature at Night
As the temperature drops outside your home. You want the inside of your home to stay toasty. Consider bumping the thermostat on your home up five degrees at night to help prevent the formation of ice. Or if you normally reduce the temperature in the evening, try leaving at a static temperature and see if that does the trick.