The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality deficit in your home. Luckily, there’s multiple things you can do to correct the problem.

What Causes Sweating on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the moist warm air in your home hitting the cold surface of your windows. It’s particularly commonplace during the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to recognize the contrast 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 within a window is caused from the warm damp air in your home forming on the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal fails and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be fixed by changing the humidity in your home. Numerous things generate humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean Trouble

Even though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be a sign your home has high humidity. If that’s the case, water could 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, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

Not to worry, because there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air in 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 decreases.

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is high, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws 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 small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Richmond.

Additional Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by extracting the warm, moist 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 moving inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Open window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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