The windows throughout your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

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

What Causes Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the humid warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly common during 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 important to understand the contrast 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 caused from the warm humid air throughout your home condensing against the glass.
  • Any moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity across your home. Different things produce humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Can Be a Problem

Although you might think condensation in your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also be indicating your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home

Thankfully there are numerous options for extracting moisture from the air inside your home.

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

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, portable units require emptying out water trays and most often service a fairly 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 establish a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Fort Lauderdale.

Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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