The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality issue within your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Causes Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the damp warm air inside your home hitting the cold surface of your windows. It’s particularly common around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s important to know the difference 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 within a window is caused from the warm humid air throughout your home condensing on the glass.
  • The moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by fine-tuning the humidity in your home. Numerous things produce humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Although you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it can be evidence your home has higher humidity. If this is the case, water could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces 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 remove the water from one room. However, these units require clearing water trays and generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run instantly 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 Big Spring.

Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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