The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality problem inside your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home reaching the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly prevalent around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to understand the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture within a window is produced from the warm moist air inside your home forming against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity across your home. Many things generate humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean Trouble

Though you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout 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 active and your home’s humidity level is high, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from a single room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and usually service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level just like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start immediately when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Pella.

Alternative 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 pulling the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
  • Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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