The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let 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 coated in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality deficit in your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can attempt to correct the problem.

What Creates Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air in your home reaching the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

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

  • Moisture inside a window is created from the warm damp air throughout your home condensing against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things generate humidity inside a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean Trouble

Though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it can be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

Thankfully there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air in your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is high, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from an entire room. However, portable units require clearing 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 controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level just like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run automatically when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Carson City.

Alternative Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting 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 circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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