The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality problem inside your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can try to address the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the moist warm air throughout your home mixing with the cold surface of your windows. It’s especially common around the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to recognize 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 on the inside of a window is produced from the warm moist air in your home forming along the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by changing the humidity across your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be an Issue

Though you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might 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

Not to worry, because there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier operating within your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to establish a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Dresden.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Open window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.