The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.

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

What Produces Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the damp warm air in your home mixing with the cold surface of the windows. It’s particularly common in 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 recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to 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 produced from the warm moist air throughout your home condensing along the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things produce humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean an Issue

Even though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be indicating your home has higher humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might 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 Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating within your home – whether it be a small-scale 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 excessive, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, portable units require emptying out water trays and usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture throughout 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 pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Highlands Ranch.

Alternative Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
  • Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.