The windows throughout your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality issue in your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can do to correct the problem.

What Creates Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the moist warm air inside your home reaching the cooler surface of your windows. It’s especially commonplace around 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 know the contrast 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 produced from the warm humid air throughout your home forming on the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Different things generate humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be an Issue

Even though you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be evidence your home has higher humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home

The good news is there are several options for extracting moisture from the air in your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is high, consider installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, these 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 specify a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature with 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 skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Port Clinton.

Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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