The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality issue in your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to address the problem.

What Creates Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the humid warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s especially common in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison 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 produced from the warm damp air throughout your home collecting against the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to 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 inside your home. Numerous things produce humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be a Problem

Although you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Inside 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 inside your home – whether it be a small unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home comes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is high, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls 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 remove moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Wilmington.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout 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 area.
  • Open window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the warm air from being trapped against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.