The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality problem throughout your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can do to correct the problem.

What Produces Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the damp warm air in your home mixing with the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially commonplace in the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s important to understand the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture inside a window is produced from the warm humid air inside your home forming on the glass.
  • The 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 has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by changing the humidity across your home. Numerous things generate humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

Though you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be indicating 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 small film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating inside your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and usually service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Spokane.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate 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 your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

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