The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you take in the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality issue within your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can attempt to address the problem.
What Produces Condensation on Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is produced by the humid warm air throughout your home mixing with the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably commonplace around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to know the contrast 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 created from the warm humid air throughout your home forming against the glass.
- Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity across your home. Different things produce humidity inside a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Even though you might presume condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be a sign your home has high humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home
Fortunately there are various options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier active in your home – whether it be a small 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, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from a single room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level precisely as you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run automatically when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Muldrow.
Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air moving throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
- Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity in your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.