The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality problem inside your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can attempt to address the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the moist warm air throughout your home reaching the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably common around the winter when it’s much cooler 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 compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture on the inside of a window is caused from the warm moist air in your home collecting against the glass.
- Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by changing the humidity across your home. Numerous things generate humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Although you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be indicating your home has higher humidity. If this is the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home
Thankfully there are various options for removing moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier active in your home – whether it be a small-scale 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 high, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, these units require clearing water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level just like you would select a temperature via 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 qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .
Alternative Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist 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 caught up in one place.
- Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.