The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in while 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 unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality problem inside your home. Luckily, there’s multiple things you can do to resolve the problem.
What Causes Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the humid warm air throughout your home reaching the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to understand the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is produced from the warm moist air in your home condensing along the glass.
- The moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal fails and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Different things cause humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Although you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home
Fortunately there are numerous options for extracting moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier running in your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level the same as you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start immediately 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 skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Florissant.
Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
- Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.