The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in when you enjoy 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 plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality deficit in your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can do to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the moist warm air in your home mixing with the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly 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 crucial to understand the contrast 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 produced from the warm damp air inside your home collecting on the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Numerous things generate humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be a Problem

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

How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating 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 going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level just like you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start immediately when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Auburn.

Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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