The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow 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 layer of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality issue in your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can attempt to correct the problem.
What Produces Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the damp warm air in your home hitting the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially common 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 understand the distinction 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 within a window is caused from the warm damp air throughout your home collecting on the glass.
- Existing 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 needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by changing the humidity across your home. Many things produce humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Although you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic issue, it can be a sign your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water may 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 Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home
Thankfully there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.
If you have a humidifier operating in 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 active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from a single room. However, these units require clearing water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate 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 select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Delray Beach.
Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
- Open window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.