The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in when you enjoy 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 plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality problem throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can do to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the moist warm air inside your home hitting the cooler surface of your windows. It’s especially commonplace over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to understand the distinction 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 moist air inside your home forming along the glass.
  • The moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps 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 fixed by adjusting the humidity in your home. Different things produce humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Can Be Trouble

Even though you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water might 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, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home

Not to worry, because there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier active inside your home – whether it be a small-scale 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 high, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from an entire room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Lincoln.

Other Ways to Decrease 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 pulling the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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