The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in while 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 plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality issue in your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can do to correct the problem.

What Causes Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the damp warm air inside your home hitting the colder surface of the windows. It’s notably common in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to understand the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison 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 humid air in your home collecting against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal fails and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean Trouble

Although you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be evidence your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity in Your Home

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

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, these units require clearing water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run instantly when the humidity level surpasses 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.

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can raise the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Open window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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