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

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality problem throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s numerous things you can do to correct the problem.

What Creates Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the humid warm air in your home mixing with the cooler surface of your windows. It’s particularly common in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s important to know the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an 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 forming along the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity in your home. Numerous things generate humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue

Though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small 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

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

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

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from a single room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and most often service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level just like you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run instantly when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Narvon.

Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

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

By lowering humidity across your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.