The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality deficit throughout your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can try to correct the problem.
What Produces Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is produced by the damp warm air inside your home hitting the cold surface of the windows. It’s especially common in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to recognize 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 inside a window is created from the warm damp air throughout your home condensing on the glass.
- The moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Numerous things cause humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Even though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be a sign your home has high humidity. If that’s the case, water could also be condensing 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 Inside Your Home
The good news is there are numerous options for extracting moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier operating 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 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.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level precisely as you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Northglenn.
Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level across your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout 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 caught against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.