The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you 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 a symptom of a larger air-quality deficit inside your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can try to correct the problem.

What Causes Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the humid warm air in your home mixing with the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially common during the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to understand the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture within a window is produced from the warm humid air inside your home forming along the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Numerous things cause humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean Trouble

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

How to Lower Humidity in Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for extracting moisture from the air inside your home.

If you have a humidifier running in 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 going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, consider installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, these units require clearing water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Phoenix.

Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
  • 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 decreasing humidity across your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.