The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to let light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality issue inside your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can try to correct the problem.

What Creates Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the damp warm air throughout your home mixing with the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably common around the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial 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 produced from the warm moist air inside your home forming along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Different things produce humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean an Issue

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

How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home

The good news is there are several options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier running in your home – whether it be a smaller 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 higher than you prefer, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, these units require emptying water trays and usually service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Delray Beach.

Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity inside your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.