The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow 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 film of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality problem inside your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can do to resolve the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air in your home reaching the colder surface of your windows. It’s particularly prevalent in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with 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 indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is produced from the warm moist air in your home forming on the glass.
- Any moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal fails and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Many things cause humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be indicating your home has higher 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, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Lower Humidity in Your Home
Fortunately there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier operating in 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 active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, these units require clearing water trays and most often service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level precisely as you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Houston.
Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
- Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the warm air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.