The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality problem in your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.
What Creates Sweating 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 commonplace around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When discussing condensation, it’s important 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 within a window is caused from the warm moist air in your home collecting against the glass.
- Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Many things cause humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue
Even though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water might also be collecting 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 Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home
The good news is there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.
If you have a humidifier running inside your home – whether it be a small unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home decreases.
If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start automatically 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 qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Des Moines.
Alternative Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like 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 in your home.
- Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air moving within 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 stopping the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.
By lowering humidity in your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.