The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality issue throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can do to resolve the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the damp warm air in your home hitting the colder surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent during the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to recognize the contrast 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 within a window is caused from the warm damp air inside your home condensing along the glass.
- Any moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by changing 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
Although you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic issue, it can be evidence your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water might also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home
Fortunately there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air in 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 running and your home’s humidity level is high, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture in 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 emptying water trays and generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level precisely as you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Rapid City.
Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
- Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity across your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.