The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality issue within your home. Luckily, there’s multiple things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Produces Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the humid warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably common in the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to understand the difference 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 on the inside of a window is produced from the warm humid air throughout your home collecting on the glass.
  • Existing 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 has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity across your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean an Issue

Although you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water could 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 Lower Humidity in Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier running within 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 running and your home’s humidity level is high, 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 eliminate the water from a single room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove 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 select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Alice.

Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.