The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality problem within your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can try to correct the problem.
What Creates Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the moist warm air throughout your home hitting the colder surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s important to understand 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 within a window is produced from the warm damp air inside your home forming on the glass.
- Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Different things generate humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Though you might presume condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water could also be collecting 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 Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home
Not to worry, because there are several options for removing moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier operating within your home – whether it be a small-scale unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home comes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from a single room. However, portable units require emptying out water trays and most often service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run 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 skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .
Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
- Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity in your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.
