The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality problem within your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can try to correct the problem.

What Creates Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the moist warm air in your home mixing with the cold surface of the windows. It’s especially prevalent around the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows versus 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 caused from the warm humid air inside your home condensing along the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Many things cause humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Although you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water might also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

The good news is there are several options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier operating inside 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 excessive, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put 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 one room. However, these units require emptying water trays and generally 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 enables you to set a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature via 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 will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Northglenn.

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 stove can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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