The windows throughout 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 need to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality deficit throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can try to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the humid warm air throughout your home hitting the cold surface of the windows. It’s especially common over the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s important to recognize 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 created from the warm damp air inside your home condensing along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity across your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

Fortunately there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air in your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, think about installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws 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 usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Zelienople.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling 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 inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

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