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

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality problem throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Causes Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is produced by the damp warm air throughout your home mixing with the cold surface of the windows. It’s especially commonplace around the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to recognize the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture within a window is caused from the warm moist air in your home condensing on the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips 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 problem and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Different things generate humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

Although you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be evidence your home has high humidity. If that’s 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, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

Not to worry, because there are several options for extracting moisture from the air throughout your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Covington.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the warm air from being trapped against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity across your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.