The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality issue throughout your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can do to correct the problem.
What Creates Condensation on Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the moist warm air in your home reaching the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to know the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture inside a window is caused from the warm humid air in your home condensing along the glass.
- Any moisture you notice 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 problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity in your home. Different things generate humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Although you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause 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 several options for removing moisture from the air inside your home.
If you have a humidifier active inside your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home decreases.
If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers add 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 absorb 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 regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level just as you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically 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 Manassas.
Alternative Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
- Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity in your home and moving air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.