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

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality issue inside your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can do to address the problem.

What Causes Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the moist warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to know the difference 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 on the inside of a window is produced from the warm damp air inside your home collecting against the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by changing the humidity in your home. Numerous things cause humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue

Even though you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be evidence your home has high humidity. If this is 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 Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

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

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

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is high, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from a single room. However, these units require clearing water trays and most often service a fairly 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 just like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Marshfield.

Additional Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by pulling 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 circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By decreasing humidity across your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.