The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality problem throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can attempt to address the problem.
What Creates Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the damp warm air inside your home reaching the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s important to know the contrast 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 within a window is created from the warm damp air inside your home forming along the glass.
- The moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity across your home. Numerous things cause humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble
Although you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water may also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home
Fortunately there are several options for extracting moisture from the air inside your home.
If you have a humidifier running inside your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, those units require emptying water trays and usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level precisely as you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically 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 Mount Pleasant.
Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air moving within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
- Open window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.