The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window plastered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality problem throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can attempt to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the humid warm air inside your home hitting the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially commonplace around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s important to understand 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 within a window is created from the warm humid air inside your home forming along the glass.
  • The moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working 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 issue and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Different things produce humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home

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

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into 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 a single room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Wisconsin Rapids.

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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