The windows of 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 coated in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality problem inside your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to correct the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

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

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s crucial to know the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows versus 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 caused from the warm damp air in your home forming against the glass.
  • The moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Many things generate humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be a Problem

Even though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water might also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier operating within 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 excessive, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Norco and St. Charles Parish.

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.

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