The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you take in the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality problem in your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.

What Produces Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the moist warm air inside your home reaching the cooler surface of your windows. It’s especially prevalent during the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to know 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 on the inside of a window is caused from the warm humid air inside your home forming on the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in 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 adjusting the humidity across your home. Numerous things produce humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean Trouble

Though you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it can be a sign your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

The good news is there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air inside 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 comes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside 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 one room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level just like you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start automatically 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 Laurel.

Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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