The windows in your home open up 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 want to see is a sweaty window coated in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality deficit throughout your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Produces Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the damp warm air throughout your home hitting the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially common in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside 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 compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture on the inside of a window is caused from the warm damp air in your home forming on the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by changing the humidity inside your home. Numerous things generate humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean a Problem

Even though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it can 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 thin film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home

Fortunately there are numerous options for extracting moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier operating within your home – whether it be a small-scale 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, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, these units require clearing water trays and most often service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Greater Richmond.

Additional Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as 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 throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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