The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in while you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality issue within your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can do to correct the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the moist warm air throughout your home reaching the colder surface of your windows. It’s particularly prevalent around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to understand the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture inside a window is caused from the warm damp air inside your home collecting along the glass.
- The moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity inside your home. Numerous things produce humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble
Although you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water could also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home
Thankfully there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier operating inside your home – whether it be a small 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 excessive, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from an entire room. However, those units require emptying water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level the same as you would choose a temperature via 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 will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Branchville.
Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
- Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.