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 other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality problem inside your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can do to correct the problem.

What Creates Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the moist warm air inside your home hitting the cold surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent in the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

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

  • Moisture on the inside of a window is produced from the warm moist air inside your home forming against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Different things cause humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can 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, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

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

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from one room. However, those units require clearing water trays and generally service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level surpasses 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 Dundas and Northfield.

Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

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

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