The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality issue in your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.

What Produces Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the humid warm air throughout your home reaching the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent during the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to recognize 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 within a window is caused from the warm humid air inside your home collecting against the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity across your home. Different things generate humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Although you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water may 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, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

Thankfully there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier running 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 running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Bartlesville.

Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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