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 coated in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality deficit throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can try to address the problem.
What Creates Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the damp warm air throughout your home hitting the colder surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent during the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to recognize the distinction 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 damp air throughout your home condensing along the glass.
- The moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things generate humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Although you might consider 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 may also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home
Thankfully there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier running in 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 high, look into installing 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.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, those units require clearing water trays and usually service a somewhat limited 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 on 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 will want to contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation West Valley City.
Alternative Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air moving throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
- Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the warm air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.