"Sometimes they shift over time and leave tiny gaps that let cold air sneak in."
Good point about the storms shifting, but honestly, I've found that even perfectly fitted storm windows can ice up if humidity's too high inside. Had a similar issue last winter—checked the storms, sealed gaps, still got ice. Finally got a cheap hygrometer and realized humidity was way above recommended levels. Dialed that down, problem solved. Worth double-checking humidity before messing around too much with windows...or calling ghostbusters.
Humidity is definitely a big factor, but I've also found that sometimes the window coverings themselves can contribute to icing. A few winters back, I kept getting ice buildup despite having decent storms and humidity under control. Turned out my heavy curtains were trapping moisture against the glass overnight. Switched to lighter curtains and made sure to open them during the day to let air circulate—problem pretty much disappeared.
Also, if you haven't already, double-check your window seals and weatherstripping. Even tiny gaps can let in enough cold air to cause condensation and eventually ice. A quick pass with a candle flame or incense stick around the edges can help pinpoint drafts you might otherwise miss. It's worth doing before considering costly replacements or calling in paranormal investigators...
Interesting point about the curtains—I hadn't considered that before. I usually keep blinds closed at night to retain heat, but now I'm wondering if that's actually making things worse. Has anyone tried using those plastic window insulation kits? I've heard mixed reviews—some people swear by them, others say they're a hassle or don't really help much. Curious if they'd actually help with the icing issue or just trap more moisture...
"Curious if they'd actually help with the icing issue or just trap more moisture..."
I've used those plastic insulation kits a couple winters now. They do cut down drafts noticeably, but honestly, if moisture's your main issue, they might just trap it and make things worse. Better ventilation helped me more than plastic ever did...
Had the same icing issue a few years back. Plastic film helped a bit with drafts, but the moisture buildup actually got worse—ended up with mold around the frames, not fun. What really made a difference was installing a humidity gauge and tweaking ventilation: bathroom fan on longer after showers, cooking with lids on pots, cracking windows briefly each day... little stuff, but it adds up.
"Plastic film helped a bit with drafts, but the moisture buildup actually got worse—ended up with mold around the frames, not fun."
Yeah, plastic film can be tricky. I've seen it trap moisture more often than not, especially if your home's humidity is already high. Ventilation tweaks are definitely helpful, but honestly, sometimes they're just band-aids if your windows are older or poorly insulated.
A few things I'd suggest considering before jumping straight to window replacements:
- Check your attic insulation and ventilation—poor attic airflow can contribute significantly to condensation issues downstairs.
- Look into storm windows as an intermediate step; they're less expensive than full replacements and can drastically reduce icing.
- If you do decide on new windows eventually, prioritize double-pane or triple-pane units with low-E coatings. They make a huge difference in temperature regulation and condensation control.
Just my two cents from experience... ventilation helps, but sometimes structural upgrades are the real long-term fix.
Had the same issue with plastic film last winter—ended up peeling it off mid-season because of mold spots. Switched to storm windows this year, and it's been night and day. Still skeptical about attic insulation being a big factor, though...
"Switched to storm windows this year, and it's been night and day."
Glad to hear the storm windows made such a difference for you. I had similar doubts about attic insulation myself, but after finally biting the bullet and adding some extra layers up there, I was genuinely surprised at how much warmer the whole house felt. It might not directly stop window icing, but it definitely helps reduce overall humidity and condensation issues. Worth considering if you're still having trouble down the line...
Storm windows definitely help, but I've found that running a dehumidifier made a huge difference for us too. We had icing issues even after upgrading windows, and it turned out our indoor humidity was way higher than we realized. Once we got that under control, the condensation pretty much disappeared. Curious if you've checked your humidity levels lately—might be worth a quick look before investing in more upgrades...
"Curious if you've checked your humidity levels lately—might be worth a quick look before investing in more upgrades..."
Good call on the humidity check. People often underestimate how much indoor moisture contributes to window icing. We had similar issues, and I was convinced our windows were just old and drafty. Turns out, cooking, showers, and even houseplants were bumping our humidity way up. A simple hygrometer from the hardware store helped pinpoint the problem, and tweaking ventilation made a huge difference. Definitely cheaper than new windows...though ghost stories would be more fun to tell friends about.