The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you enjoy 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 unattractive, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality problem throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to address the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the moist warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s especially prevalent over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with condensation, it’s important to recognize the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture inside a window is created from the warm moist air inside your home collecting against the glass.
- Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity across your home. Numerous things cause humidity inside a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Even though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be indicating your home has high humidity. If that’s the case, water might also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Lower Humidity in Your Home
Not to worry, because there are various options for extracting moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier operating inside your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .
Alternative Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
- Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.