The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to let light in while you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a larger air-quality problem throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can do to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the humid warm air throughout your home reaching the colder surface of the windows. It’s particularly common over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to know the difference 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 on the inside of a window is created from the warm moist air throughout your home collecting on the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Numerous things generate humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be an Issue

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

How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

Fortunately there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air inside 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 decreases.

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, consider installing 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.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from an entire room. However, these 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 managed by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Derby.

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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