The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality problem within your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can do to address the problem.

What Causes Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the moist warm air inside your home mixing with the colder surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent in 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 know the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture on the inside of a window is produced from the warm damp air throughout your home collecting along the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity across your home. Many things cause humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be an Issue

Even though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water might also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

Fortunately there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air in your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from a single room. However, these units require emptying water trays and usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level just like you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start automatically 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 skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Cache Valley.

Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By decreasing humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.