The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality problem in your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can attempt to address the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the moist warm air throughout your home reaching the cold surface of your windows. It’s especially commonplace over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with condensation, it’s important to know the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows versus 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 created from the warm damp air inside your home collecting along the glass.
- The moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by fine-tuning the humidity in your home. Different things cause humidity in a home, like 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 issue, it may also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home
The good news is there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout 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 going and your home’s humidity level is high, think about installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from a single room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and most often service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level the same as you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation New Castle.
Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
- Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the warm air from being caught against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity in your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.