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

Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality problem in your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can do to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the moist warm air in your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably common during the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to understand the distinction 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 caused from the warm moist air in your home condensing against the glass.
  • The moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Numerous things cause humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be a Problem

Even though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be evidence your home has high humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

Fortunately there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier running inside your home – whether it be a small 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 higher than you prefer, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level just like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Carpentersville.

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air moving throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the warm air from being caught against the windowpane.

By decreasing humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.