The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to let light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality deficit in your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can do to resolve the problem.
What Creates Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the moist warm air inside your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s especially prevalent around 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 distinction 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 inside a window is caused from the warm damp air throughout your home collecting on the glass.
- Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed 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 inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things cause humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Even though you might consider 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 could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home
Thankfully there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.
If you have a humidifier active in 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 running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, these units require emptying out 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 enables you to set a humidity level the same as you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Moline.
Alternative Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
- Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity across your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.