The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a larger air-quality problem in your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can do to resolve the problem.

What Causes Sweating along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the humid warm air in your home mixing with the cooler surface of your windows. It’s especially prevalent around the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s important to know the difference 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 created from the warm damp air inside your home collecting on the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by fine-tuning the humidity across your home. Numerous things generate humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean a Problem

Though you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic problem, it can be evidence your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity in Your Home

Not to worry, because there are several options for removing moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier running within your home – whether it be a small unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home decreases.

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and generally 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 allows you to specify a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Albuquerque.

Alternative Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air flowing within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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