The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality issue throughout your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation in Windows

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

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to recognize 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 on the inside of a window is created from the warm damp air in your home collecting along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Numerous things generate humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

Though you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

The good news is there are numerous 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 active and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, these 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 managed by a humidistat, which allows you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Kankakee.

Additional Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout 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 preventing the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity across your home and moving air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.