The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality issue in your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can try to correct the problem.

What Produces Condensation on Windows

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

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture inside a window is produced from the warm damp air inside your home collecting on the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by changing the humidity in your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem

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

How to Lower Humidity in Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier active 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 running and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, consider installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level just like you would choose a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Cedar Rapids.

Alternative Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air moving inside the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.

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