April 4, 2025

Do Bioethanol Fires Create Condensation?

Ever noticed how a hot cup of tea fogs up your glasses? Bioethanol fires can do the same to your home—sort of. Short answer: Yes, they create condensation, but it depends on ventilation and room conditions. Keep reading to discover why, and how to enjoy the warmth without the moisture!

Condensation and Bioethanol Fires

A bioethanol fire is an easy way to add warmth and ambience to a space. No chimney? No problem. These fires burn cleanly, with no need for gas connections or flues.

But there’s a catch. Unlike traditional fireplaces that send smoke and gases up a chimney, bioethanol fires release everything into the room—including heat, carbon dioxide, and yes, water vapour. In some cases, this can lead to condensation forming on cold surfaces like windows, walls, or even mirrors.

That doesn’t mean your home will turn into a rainforest. But if you’ve noticed steamy windows after using your fire, condensation could be to blame.

Understanding Condensation

We’ve all seen condensation in action. A steamy bathroom mirror after a hot shower. Water droplets forming on the inside of your car windscreen on a chilly morning. That’s condensation—warm, moist air cooling down and turning into liquid.

The same thing happens indoors. If there’s too much moisture in the air and it can’t escape, it settles on the nearest cold surface. Bioethanol fires add a little extra water vapour into the mix, which can sometimes tip the balance.

Do Bioethanol Fires Produce Condensation?

Yes, they do—but not always in a noticeable way.

Bioethanol fires burn cleanly, with carbon dioxide and water vapour being the main by-products. In a well-ventilated room, that vapour disperses harmlessly. But if the air is already humid or the room is poorly ventilated, the moisture can build up, leading to condensation.

This is why some people report foggy windows after lighting their bioethanol fire, while others don’t experience any issues at all. The key factors? Ventilation, room temperature, and humidity levels.

Factors Influencing Condensation

Humidity Levels

If your home already struggles with humidity, adding more moisture to the air can make things worse. Kitchens, bathrooms, and older houses with poor insulation tend to be more prone to dampness.

Ever boiled pasta with the windows closed and ended up with water streaming down the tiles? That’s humidity overload. A bioethanol fire can have a similar effect if moisture has nowhere to escape.

Room Temperature

The colder the surfaces in your home, the more likely you are to see condensation. That’s why windows fog up in winter. If your room is warm but your windows are icy cold, water vapour will condense onto the glass.

A well-heated space with consistent temperatures is less likely to suffer from this issue.

Fireplace Type

Not all bioethanol fireplaces produce the same amount of moisture. Larger, high-output models burn more fuel, meaning they release more water vapour.

If you have a small room with a large bioethanol fire, condensation is more likely. Choosing the right-sized unit for your space can help keep things balanced.

Managing Condensation

If your bioethanol fire is making your home feel a little too steamy, don’t panic. A few simple tricks can keep condensation under control.

Ventilation is key – Crack open a window or use an extractor fan to let moisture escape.
Keep your home warm – Avoid sudden drops in temperature that encourage condensation.
Use a dehumidifier – If your home is naturally humid, this can help absorb excess moisture.
Choose the right fireplace size – Don’t overpower a small room with a large fire.

With the right setup, you can enjoy a bioethanol fire without worrying about damp walls or foggy windows. Warmth, ambience, and a cosy atmosphere—minus the moisture!