The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let 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 film of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality issue in your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Produces Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home hitting the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially common around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to understand the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison 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 caused from the warm damp air in your home condensing along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Many things produce humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean a Problem

Though you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water could 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 Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

Thankfully there are several options for extracting moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier running within 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 running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from an entire room. However, these units require emptying water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Reinholds.

Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity inside your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.