The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.

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

What Produces Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the humid warm air in your home hitting the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to understand the distinction 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 within a window is produced from the warm moist air in your home condensing on the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Numerous things cause humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Though you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it can be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water might also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

Thankfully there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout 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 goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, those units require emptying out water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level the same like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Litchfield Park.

Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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