The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality deficit within your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.

What Creates Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home mixing with the colder surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace during the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s important 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 on the inside of a window is produced from the warm damp air throughout your home condensing on the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see 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 has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Different things generate humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean an Issue

Even though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be a sign your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

The good news is there are various options for removing moisture from the air inside 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 running and your home’s humidity level is high, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Savage.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity in your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.