Exterior condensation on 'A' rated energy double glazing is normal.

We've been reading one or two homeowner reviews where they've complained of exterior condensation on 'A' rated energy glazed windows. It's the outside face of the exterior pane that condensates - not the interior of the pane (between the sealed airspace).

They're worried the condensation, and sometimes frost (where the condensation has formed before freezing) indicate there's a problem with their double glazing.

On the contrary, it means they're working perfectly well as specified.

The issue arises because the glazing and window construction is so efficient, interior temperatures never reach the outer pane sufficiently to ward off the condensation forming.

In some cases you'll notice the edge of the pane where it meets the window frame itself shows less condensation - this is due to the small amount of heat transference through the frame, and again is perfectly normal.

The condensation usually occurs in the mornings and soon clears.

Still, it can be a bit of a shock to wake up, throw back the curtains to be greeted with an opaque window due to condensation.

With October, reportedly, being the worst month for condensation affecting 'a' rated double glazing, the glazing industry advice is don't panic. Your energy efficient windows are being just that.

Get your instant online double glazing quote now from WindowQuoter.co.uk

Leaving your heating on 24/7 during Winter.

Everyone has a different opinion on whether it's more economical to leave the heating on 24/7 during the winter as opposed to the usual 2 hours in the morning and a few hours in the evening.

The theory is that leaving your heating on all the time, means once the house is warm, it takes relatively little energy to keep it topped up. As opposed to the heating coming on full blast for a short spell in the morning and then having to re-heat the home from a cold start in the evening.

Some homeowners report massive savings with the 24/7 method, which they say allows them to run the heating at a lower temperature. It also cures many condensation problems, associated with the cold weather.

However, some report no difference and some even using more energy and higher bills.

Of course, it's going to depend on lots of factors like the presence of double glazing or cavity wall insulation, draught exclusion fitted etc. There's a general consensus that it isn't cheaper to leave your heating on all day in an older, less insulated property.

One big clue may lie with the actual construction of different properties and why it suits some and not others. Certain building materials - stone / block act like storage heaters absorbing heat and retaining it whilst other materials lack this absorbing property.

Could this be why it works for some and not for others?

Let us know if you've tried the 24/7 heating on method and if it made a difference to your energy bills - good or bad.

photo credit: i see modern britain