The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality issue in your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can attempt to address the problem.
What Causes Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the moist warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of your windows. It’s particularly prevalent in 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 necessary to know the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to 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 produced from the warm moist air inside your home collecting along the glass.
- Any moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Many things produce humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble
Although you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also 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 small film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home
Thankfully there are several options for removing moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier running within your home – whether it be a small-scale unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home comes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture into your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, portable units require emptying out water trays and usually service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to specify a humidity level the same as you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start immediately when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation West Columbia.
Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level in your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
- Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity across your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.