The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality issue inside your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can do to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the humid warm air in your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly common around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to understand the difference 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 created from the warm moist air throughout your home condensing against the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Many things generate humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Although you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity in Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier active inside your home – whether it be a small unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is high, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Greater Richmond.

Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like 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 increase the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

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