The windows throughout your home are a gateway 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 layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality deficit throughout your home. Luckily, there’s multiple things you can do to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the humid warm air throughout your home mixing with the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly prevalent around the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to know the contrast 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 inside a window is created from the warm humid air in your home condensing against the glass.
  • The moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in 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 resolved by changing the humidity in your home. Many things cause humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating inside 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 excessive, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture into your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which permits you to establish a humidity level the same like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Phoenix.

Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity in your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.