The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in while 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 coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality problem inside your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can do to address the problem.
What Causes Sweating on Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is produced by the damp warm air in your home hitting the colder surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent during the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to understand the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is caused from the warm moist air inside your home condensing along the glass.
- Any moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by changing the humidity across your home. Different things produce humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean a Problem
Although you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water may also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home
Not to worry, because 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, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, those units require clearing water trays and most often service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Justin.
Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level across your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
- Open window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.
