The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.
Not only are windows plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality deficit within your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can try to correct the problem.
What Creates Condensation on Windows
Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the humid warm air inside your home reaching the colder surface of your windows. It’s notably common around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.
Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes
When talking about condensation, it’s crucial 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 inside a window is created from the warm humid air in your home forming on the glass.
- Any moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window has to be repaired or replaced.
- Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity inside your home. Numerous things cause humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.
Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be a Problem
Though you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be evidence your home has higher humidity. If this is the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.
How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home
Fortunately there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air in your home.
If you have a humidifier active inside your home – whether it be a small unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home comes down.
If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.
Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from an entire room. However, these units require clearing water trays and generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture throughout your entire home.
Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level just like you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run automatically when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Los Angeles.
Additional Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows
- Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
- Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air moving within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
- Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.
By reducing humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.