The windows throughout your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. 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 evidence of a more substantial air-quality problem inside your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Creates Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the damp warm air throughout your home mixing with the cold surface of the windows. It’s particularly common over the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside 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 in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture inside a window is produced from the warm humid air throughout your home condensing on the glass.
  • Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Numerous things generate humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean a Problem

Though you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be a sign your home has higher humidity. If this is the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating inside 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 excessive, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level just like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Zelienople.

Alternative Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air moving within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the warm air from being caught against the windowpane.

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