The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a coating of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality issue within your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.
What Creates Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the damp warm air in your home mixing with the cold surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent over the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s important to know the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.
- Moisture within a window is produced from the warm moist air throughout your home collecting against the glass.
- Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Different things produce humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue
Though you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be a sign 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, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home
Fortunately there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier operating within 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 going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers add moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, these units require clearing water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture across your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level precisely as you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Tucson.
Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
- Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.