The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality issue throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to resolve the problem.
What Produces Condensation on Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the humid warm air throughout your home reaching the cooler surface of the windows. It’s especially common in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to recognize the difference 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 produced from the warm humid air inside your home condensing along the glass.
- The moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things produce 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 issue, it could also be indicating 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 slim 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 extracting moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier operating within 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, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from an entire room. However, these units require emptying water trays and generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level the same as you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Rock Hill.
Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling 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 circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
- Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity across your home and moving air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.