The windows throughout your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality deficit throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.
What Causes Condensation on Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the moist warm air inside your home mixing with the colder surface of your windows. It’s especially common over the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within 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 compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is caused from the warm humid air throughout your home collecting against the glass.
- Any moisture you notice 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 should be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Many things produce humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Although you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be a sign your home has higher humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home
Not to worry, because there are several options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier operating within 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 active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, portable units require emptying out water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level just like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .
Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air moving throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
- Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.