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 landscape. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.
Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality issue within your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can do to resolve the problem.
What Creates Condensation along Windows
Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the moist warm air throughout your home mixing with the cold surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to understand the distinction 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 inside a window is produced from the warm moist air inside your home collecting along the glass.
- Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal fails and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Different things generate humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Even though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might 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 Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home
Fortunately there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier active in 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 running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from a single room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and generally service a fairly small 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 establish a humidity level precisely as you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run instantly when the humidity level overtakes 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 Crystal and Twin Cities.
Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air moving throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
- Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the humid 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.