The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. 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 evidence of a more serious air-quality problem within your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to correct the problem.
What Produces Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home mixing with the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is caused from the warm moist air throughout your home forming along the glass.
- Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Many things produce humidity inside a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Although you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it can be a sign your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home
Fortunately there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier active within 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 running and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from a single room. However, those units require emptying 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 controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run automatically when the humidity level overtakes 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 .
Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
- Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity in 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.
