The windows throughout your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality issue in your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can try to resolve the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the damp warm air in your home hitting the cold surface of your windows. It’s notably commonplace over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with condensation, it’s crucial to understand the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is created from the warm humid air inside your home condensing against the glass.
- Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things generate humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble
Although you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be indicating your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home
Not to worry, because there are several options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier operating in your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home decreases.
If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is high, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, those units require clearing water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to specify a humidity level just like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .
Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air swirling inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
- Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity inside your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.
