The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality problem throughout your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the damp warm air throughout your home mixing with the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly common around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to recognize 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 inside a window is produced from the warm moist air in your home forming on the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Different things cause humidity inside a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Even though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it can be a sign your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water may also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home

Fortunately there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier operating in your home – whether it be a small-scale unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.

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

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level the same like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Sandpoint.

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

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