How do I stop condensation on my windows every winter in NB?

Winter window condensation is extremely common in New Brunswick homes, especially older houses with single-pane windows and limited ventilation. The root cause is warm, humid indoor air hitting cold glass surfaces during our harsh winters when outdoor temperatures regularly drop to -25°C or below.

The most effective immediate solution is reducing indoor humidity levels. During winter, your home's humidity should stay between 30-40% to prevent condensation while maintaining comfort. Use exhaust fans religiously in bathrooms and kitchens, run them for 15-20 minutes after showers or cooking. If you don't have exhaust fans, installing them is a worthwhile $300-800 investment per room. Many New Brunswick homes, particularly those built in the 1970s-1990s, lack adequate ventilation systems.

Window upgrades make the biggest long-term difference. If you're dealing with original single-pane windows in an older Fredericton Victorian or post-war Moncton bungalow, replacement with double or triple-pane windows will virtually eliminate condensation. Quality replacement windows run $400-900 per window installed, with triple-pane units performing better in our climate. The payback comes through reduced heating costs and NB Power rebates for energy-efficient windows.

For immediate relief without major renovation, improve air circulation around problem windows. Move furniture away from windows, open blinds during the day to allow air movement, and consider running ceiling fans on low to keep air moving. Storm windows can also help if you're not ready for full replacement - they create an insulating air gap that warms the interior glass surface.

Check your heating system and ductwork. Homes with oil furnaces (still very common across New Brunswick) often have uneven heating that creates cold spots near windows. If you're planning an oil-to-heat-pump conversion, modern cold-climate heat pumps provide more even heating and often include humidity control features.

Address obvious moisture sources like basement dampness, which is widespread in New Brunswick due to our clay soils and high water tables. A dehumidifier in a damp basement can significantly reduce whole-house humidity levels. Also check that your clothes dryer vents properly to the exterior - blocked dryer vents pump enormous amounts of moisture into homes.

Start by measuring your indoor humidity with a simple hygrometer ($15-30) and adjust from there. If humidity levels are consistently above 45% in winter, you'll need to identify and eliminate moisture sources before window upgrades will be fully effective.