The windows throughout your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you take in the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a coating of condensation.

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

What Creates Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the damp warm air throughout your home mixing with the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly commonplace over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s important to know 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 on the inside of a window is created from the warm damp air inside your home forming on the glass.
  • The moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Numerous things produce humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem

Although you might consider condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water might also be accumulating 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 Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home

The good news is there are numerous options for extracting moisture from the air in your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider installing 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.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level just like you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Pflugerville.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air moving within the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.

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