The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality issue throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to resolve the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the damp warm air in your home mixing with the cooler surface of your windows. It’s especially common during the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to know the difference 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 within a window is produced from the warm damp air inside your home forming against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is produced 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 inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things generate humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be an Issue

Although you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be evidence 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 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 Throughout Your Home

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

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

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

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level the same like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Wyandotte.

Alternative Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity in your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.