The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you enjoy 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 covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality issue within your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can try to resolve the problem.
What Causes Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s especially common over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with condensation, it’s important to recognize the distinction 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 on the inside of a window is caused from the warm humid air throughout your home collecting on the glass.
- The moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home
Fortunately there are several options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier active within your home – whether it be a small-scale unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home decreases.
If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers add moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, these units require emptying water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level the same as you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Auburn.
Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
- Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity inside your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.