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

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality deficit inside your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can do to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the humid warm air inside your home mixing with the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent during the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture inside a window is caused from the warm damp air throughout your home forming along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced 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 inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Many things produce humidity inside a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean Trouble

Even though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be a sign your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier running inside 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 running and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from an entire room. However, these units require clearing water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Troy.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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