The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality issue throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can do to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the moist warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably commonplace around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to know the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows compared 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 caused from the warm humid air throughout your home condensing on the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Different things cause humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home

The good news is there are several options for extracting moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier operating in your home – whether it be a small-scale unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home decreases.

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from an entire room. However, those units require emptying out water trays and usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly 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 skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Port Orchard.

Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening 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 moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.