The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to let light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. 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 unappealing, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality deficit inside your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.

What Produces Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the damp warm air inside your home hitting the cold surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s crucial to know the distinction 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 inside a window is created from the warm damp air inside your home collecting against the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed 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 on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity across your home. Many things cause humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Although you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is in fact the case, water may also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating in 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 active and your home’s humidity level is high, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, these units require emptying water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start 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 experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Laurel.

Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout 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 stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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