The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality problem within your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can attempt to address the problem.
What Causes Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home reaching the colder surface of your windows. It’s especially common in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When dealing with 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 air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is created from the warm moist air in your home forming along the glass.
- Any moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Many things cause humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Although you might presume condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home
Not to worry, because there are several options for removing moisture from the air inside your home.
If you have a humidifier operating 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 active and your home’s humidity level is high, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers add moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level just as you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Lexington.
Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
- Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the warm air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity in your home and moving air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.