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

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

What Creates Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the humid warm air in your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to recognize the difference 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 on the inside of a window is caused from the warm moist air throughout your home collecting on the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity across your home. Numerous things generate humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean Trouble

Though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be indicating 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 small film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home

Not to worry, because there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.

If you have a humidifier active within your home – whether it be a small 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, think about installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, portable units require emptying out 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 regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Manassas.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across 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.
  • Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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