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

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality deficit in your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the humid warm air throughout your home reaching the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s important to know the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows compared to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture on the inside of a window is created from the warm moist air inside your home condensing on the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in 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 resolved by changing the humidity across your home. Numerous things cause humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Though you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be evidence your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water could 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, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

Not to worry, because there are various options for extracting moisture from the air inside your home.

If you have a humidifier running 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 running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate 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. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
  • Open window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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