The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window covered in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality deficit throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can do to resolve the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home reaching the cold surface of the windows. It’s particularly common during the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s important to recognize the contrast 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 moist air in your home condensing on the glass.
- Any moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal stops working and moisture slips 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 solved by adjusting the humidity across your home. Numerous things produce humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble
Although you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be a sign your home has high humidity. If this is in fact the case, water may also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home
The good news is there are several options for extracting moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier operating inside your home – whether it be a small-scale unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is high, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level the same as you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Tucker.
Additional Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
- Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease 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 enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.