The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality deficit throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can try to address the problem.

What Produces Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the damp warm air in your home reaching the colder surface of your windows. It’s especially prevalent over 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 important to recognize the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison 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 damp air throughout your home forming along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips 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 situation and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity across your home. Different things produce humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Although you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it can be a sign your home has higher humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be accumulating 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 Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating in your home – whether it be a smaller 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 excessive, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, those units require emptying out water trays and generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture from 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 begin running immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Port Clinton.

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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