The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window plastered in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality problem throughout your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can try to address the problem.
What Creates Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the moist warm air in your home mixing with the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably common in 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 crucial to recognize the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture inside a window is produced from the warm moist air inside your home forming against the glass.
- The moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by changing the humidity inside your home. Many things cause humidity inside a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Although you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be indicating your home has high humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home
The good news is there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier operating within your home – whether it be a small 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 higher than you prefer, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from an entire room. However, these units require emptying water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level just as you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Paxinos.
Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
- Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity in your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.