The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to let light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality problem in your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can do to resolve the problem.
What Creates Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the humid warm air in your home hitting the colder surface of your windows. It’s especially prevalent during the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to recognize 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 created from the warm damp air throughout your home forming on the glass.
- Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in 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 changing the humidity in your home. Numerous things generate humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble
Although you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be indicating your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home
The good news is there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier running inside your home – whether it be a small-scale 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 getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers add moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from a single room. However, those units require clearing water trays and usually service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level precisely as you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Dresden.
Additional Ways to Reduce 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, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
- Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity across your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.