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

Not only are windows covered in condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality deficit within your home. Luckily, there’s multiple things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Produces Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the damp warm air throughout your home hitting the colder surface of your windows. It’s especially commonplace around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to recognize the distinction 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 moist air in your home forming along the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by changing the humidity in your home. Different things produce humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Though you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be a sign 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 thin film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

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

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is high, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Mankato area.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air swirling inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.