The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated 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 deficit throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can do to address the problem.

What Causes Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is produced by the moist warm air throughout your home mixing with the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably 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 important to know the difference 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 inside a window is created from the warm moist air inside your home collecting along the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity across your home. Many things produce humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean a Problem

Although you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be indicating your home has higher humidity. If this is the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity in 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-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 active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Auburn.

Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity inside your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.