The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality issue inside your home. Luckily, there’s multiple things you can attempt to address the problem.
What Causes Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the damp warm air throughout your home mixing with the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent over the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s important to know the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture inside a window is produced from the warm moist air inside your home forming along the glass.
- Any moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things cause humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be indicating your home has high humidity. If that’s the case, water might also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home
Fortunately there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier active in your home – whether it be a small unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, consider installing 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, those units require emptying water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level the same like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .
Alternative Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level across your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
- Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity inside your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.