The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality issue in your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Causes Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the damp warm air inside your home reaching the colder surface of your windows. It’s notably commonplace in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to know the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison 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 created from the warm moist air in your home forming on the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity in your home. Different things produce humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be Trouble

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

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

The good news is there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air in 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 comes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put 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, portable units require clearing water trays and generally service a small 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 set a humidity level just like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Norco and St. Charles Parish.

Alternative Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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