The windows throughout your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window plastered in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality issue in your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can do to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the humid warm air inside your home reaching the cold surface of your windows. It’s particularly commonplace over 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 necessary to understand the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to 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 humid air throughout your home collecting against the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity across your home. Many things generate humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean a Problem

Though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it can be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is 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, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

Fortunately there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.

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

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

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, those units require emptying water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start 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 experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Mount Horeb.

Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the warm air from being caught against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity in your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.