The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality issue inside your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can try to resolve the problem.

What Produces Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the damp warm air in your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s especially prevalent during the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to know the contrast between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison 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 caused from the warm humid air throughout your home forming against 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 needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Many things cause humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home

Fortunately there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier operating inside 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 active and your home’s humidity level is high, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside 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 emptying water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level just like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Chelan and Wenatchee.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as 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 raise the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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