The windows throughout your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality issue in your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can try to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the humid warm air throughout your home mixing with the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially commonplace around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to know 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 inside a window is caused from the warm humid air in your home condensing on the glass.
  • The moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things cause humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be Trouble

Even though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be indicating 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 slim film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

Fortunately there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air in 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 goes down.

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

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation East Bernard.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the warm air from being caught against the windowpane.

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