The windows throughout your home are a portal 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 want to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality issue inside your home. Fortunately, there’s numerous things you can do to correct the problem.

What Creates Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home mixing with the cold surface of your windows. It’s notably commonplace over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to understand the distinction 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 within a window is caused from the warm damp air inside your home forming on the glass.
  • The moisture you see 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 on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity in your home. Different things produce humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be Trouble

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

How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier running in your home – whether it be a small-scale 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 excessive, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, 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 generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level the same like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically 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 qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Troy.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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