The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality deficit within your home. Fortunately, there’s numerous things you can attempt to resolve the problem.
What Causes Condensation in Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the moist warm air in your home mixing with the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly common during 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 know 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 inside a window is created from the warm moist air inside your home collecting on the glass.
- Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity across your home. Different things cause humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.
Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem
Even though you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could 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 thin film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home
The good news is there are several options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier operating 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, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduce moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from a single room. However, those units require emptying out 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 controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level the same as you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately 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 Mankato area.
Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
- Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity across your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.