The windows in your home open up 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 want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality deficit throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can attempt to resolve the problem.
What Causes Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is produced by the moist warm air in your home reaching the cooler surface of your windows. It’s especially prevalent over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s important to know 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 produced from the warm damp air throughout your home condensing against the glass.
- The moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity inside your home. Numerous things cause humidity inside a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Although you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be a sign your home has higher humidity. If this is the case, water could 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 Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home
Not to worry, because there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier operating inside your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home comes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce 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 eliminate the water from an entire room. However, these units require emptying water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level precisely as you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Pacheco.
Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air moving within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
- Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity in your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.