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

Not only are windows covered in condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality issue throughout your home. Luckily, there’s multiple things you can do to correct the problem.

What Creates Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is formed by the damp warm air in your home reaching the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly common 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 crucial to understand the contrast 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 humid air inside your home forming on the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by changing the humidity inside your home. Different things generate humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem

Though you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be evidence your home has higher humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

The good news is there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.

If you have a humidifier operating within your home – whether it be a small-scale 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 high, think about purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, these units require clearing water trays and generally service a fairly 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 set a humidity level just like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Wausau.

Additional Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air flowing within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
  • Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the warm air from being caught against the windowpane.

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