The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality issue within your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can try to resolve the problem.

What Creates Sweating along Windows

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

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s important to recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows compared 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 caused from the warm damp air in your home collecting along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity across your home. Numerous things produce humidity inside a home, such as showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be a Problem

Although you might presume condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

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

If you have a humidifier running within 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 running and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about purchasing 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.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level overtakes 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 Portland.

Additional Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being caught against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity in your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.