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

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality deficit within your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can try to correct the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the moist warm air throughout your home reaching the cooler surface of your windows. It’s especially common during the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to recognize the contrast 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 within a window is created from the warm humid air throughout your home forming along the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things produce humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue

Although you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

Not to worry, because there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air throughout 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 goes down.

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

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, portable units require emptying out water trays and usually service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.

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

Other Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

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