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 landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality deficit throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the damp warm air throughout your home mixing with the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace in the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

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

  • Moisture on the inside of a window is caused from the warm humid air inside your home collecting against the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal fails and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity across your home. Many things cause humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

Thankfully there are numerous options for extracting moisture from the air throughout your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is high, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to establish a humidity level just like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Mobile.

Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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