The windows throughout your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality deficit in your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can do to address the problem.

What Produces Sweating in Windows

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

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to know the distinction 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 moist air inside your home collecting against the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Numerous things cause humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

Even though you might think condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.

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

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

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run automatically 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.

Additional Ways to Eliminate 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 extracting the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.