The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality problem within your home. Fortunately, there’s numerous things you can try to correct the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the humid warm air inside your home reaching the colder surface of the windows. It’s particularly 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 contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows versus 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 collecting on the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Many things produce humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean Trouble

Although you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it can be a sign your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home

Fortunately there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air inside 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 goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level just like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run 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 Bishop.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

By decreasing humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.