The windows of your home are a portal 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 coating of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality problem within your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can try to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the humid warm air in your home mixing with the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s important to know 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 created from the warm moist air in your home condensing on the glass.
  • The moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and at that point 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 in your home. Numerous things cause humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be Trouble

Though you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be evidence your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for extracting moisture from the air inside your home.

If you have a humidifier active 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 going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, these units require emptying water trays and generally service a small 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 establish a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level surpasses 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 Neptune City.

Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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