The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a coating of condensation.

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

What Causes Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the moist warm air in your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly common over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s crucial to recognize the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to 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 caused from the warm damp air inside 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 should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things cause humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean an Issue

Even though you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be a sign your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier operating in 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 active and your home’s humidity level is high, consider installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, portable units require emptying out water trays and usually 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 enables you to establish a humidity level the same like you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Zelienople.

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots like 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 increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

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