The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you 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 evidence of a more serious air-quality issue inside your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can try to resolve the problem.

What Creates Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the humid warm air in your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly prevalent in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s important to recognize the contrast 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 inside a window is created from the warm humid air throughout your home condensing on the glass.
  • Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps 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 solved by adjusting the humidity across your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be a Problem

Though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water might also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

The good news is there are numerous options for extracting moisture from the air inside your home.

If you have a humidifier operating inside your home – whether it be a smaller 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 excessive, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, those units require emptying water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level the same like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Des Moines.

Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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