The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to let light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. 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 unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality issue in your home. Fortunately, there’s numerous things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Creates Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the damp warm air in your home hitting the cold surface of your windows. It’s particularly commonplace around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

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

  • Moisture inside a window is produced from the warm humid air inside your home condensing against the glass.
  • The moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Numerous things cause humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean an Issue

Though you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier operating within 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 going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture inside 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 out water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Cambridge.

Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.

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