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

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality problem throughout your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can do to resolve the problem.

What Causes Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the humid warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly commonplace over the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s crucial to know the contrast 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 inside a window is created from the warm damp air inside your home condensing against the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Many things generate humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be Trouble

Although you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating inside 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 running and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level just like you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Mobile.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air moving inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

By decreasing humidity inside your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.