The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality issue throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can try to resolve the problem.
What Creates Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the damp warm air throughout your home hitting the cold surface of your windows. It’s particularly commonplace around the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to know the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture on the inside of a window is caused from the warm damp air throughout your home forming on the glass.
- The moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps 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 problem and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Many things cause humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Though you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be evidence your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home
Not to worry, because there are several options for extracting moisture from the air inside your home.
If you have a humidifier active 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 active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider purchasing 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.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level just as you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Laguna Niguel.
Alternative Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
- 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 decreasing humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.