The windows throughout your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.

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

What Creates Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the damp warm air inside your home reaching the colder surface of your windows. It’s notably common around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to understand the distinction 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 throughout your home collecting on the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity in your home. Numerous things produce humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

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

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

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, these units require clearing water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to specify a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Manassas.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air moving throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.

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