The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let 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 plastered in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality problem throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.
What Creates Condensation on Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the moist warm air in your home reaching the cold surface of your windows. It’s especially commonplace in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with 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 inside a window is caused from the warm damp air inside your home collecting against the glass.
- Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be fixed by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Many things produce humidity inside a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble
Though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also 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 in Your Home
Fortunately there are various options for removing moisture from the air inside your home.
If you have a humidifier active inside your home – whether it be a small 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 high, think about getting 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.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from an entire room. However, these 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 managed by a humidistat, which allows you to specify a humidity level the same as you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Des Moines.
Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
- Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By decreasing humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.