The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you enjoy 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 coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality problem in your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can try to address the problem.
What Causes Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the damp warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace in 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 understand the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture inside a window is created from the warm damp air in your home forming on the glass.
- Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity across your home. Many things generate humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Though you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home
Not to worry, because there are several options for extracting moisture from the air in 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 decreases.
If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is high, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and usually service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level the same as you would select a temperature with 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 want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Portland.
Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these areas 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 throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
- Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity in your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.