The windows of your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you take in the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality deficit throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s numerous things you can try to correct the problem.

What Causes Condensation along Windows

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

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture within a window is produced from the warm moist air inside your home collecting on the glass.
  • Existing 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 on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity across your home. Different things produce humidity throughout a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

Even though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be evidence your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water may also be condensing 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 Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home

Not to worry, because there are numerous options for eliminating 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 goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and most often service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level just like you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Arlington.

Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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