The windows throughout your home open up 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 want to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality issue within your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can do to correct the problem.
What Produces Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the damp warm air throughout your home hitting the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to understand the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is produced from the warm humid air in your home forming on the glass.
- The moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Different things produce humidity inside a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Sweating Windows Could Mean Trouble
Though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home
Fortunately there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air inside your home.
If you have a humidifier active within your home – whether it be a small 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 installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, these units require emptying water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Kansas City, MO and Lansing, KS .
Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
- Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the warm air from being caught 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 during the winter.