The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality problem within your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can do to address the problem.
What Produces Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the moist warm air throughout your home reaching the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s important to recognize the distinction 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 inside a window is caused from the warm damp air inside your home condensing along the glass.
- Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things cause humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble
Though you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can 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 small film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home
Thankfully there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air inside 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 active and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level precisely as you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Heflin.
Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
- Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.