The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window plastered in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality issue in your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can attempt to resolve the problem.
What Causes Condensation on Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the humid warm air in your home reaching the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly commonplace around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to know the difference 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 throughout your home forming against the glass.
- The moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity across your home. Many things produce humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Even though you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be evidence your home has high humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home
Not to worry, because there are various options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier active within your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home comes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from a single room. However, portable units require emptying out 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 enables you to specify a humidity level precisely as you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Elk River.
Alternative Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level in your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
- Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.