The windows throughout your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality deficit within your home. Fortunately, there’s numerous things you can try to resolve the problem.

What Creates Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the moist warm air in your home mixing with the colder surface of the windows. It’s particularly prevalent during the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside 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 compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture within a window is produced from the warm humid air inside your home condensing along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal fails and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity inside your home. Numerous things produce humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating 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 running and your home’s humidity level is high, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, these units require emptying water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation West Allis & Milwaukee area.

Alternative Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air moving within 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 preventing the warm air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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