The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality deficit inside your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can try to address the problem.

What Creates Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the damp warm air in your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s important to recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture inside a window is caused from the warm humid air throughout your home forming along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is produced 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 adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be a Problem

Though you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water may also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity in Your Home

Not to worry, because there are several options for removing moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier running in your home – whether it be a small 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 higher than you prefer, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start immediately 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 Hodgenville.

Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

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