The windows throughout your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. 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 a sign of a more serious air-quality problem within your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can do to address the problem.

What Creates Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is produced by the moist warm air in your home reaching the cold surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace during the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is within 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 versus moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture on the inside of a window is caused from the warm humid air in your home condensing along the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by changing the humidity in your home. Numerous things produce humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean a Problem

Even though you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be evidence your home has high 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 cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier running inside 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, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from an entire room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and usually service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level the same like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Santa Clarita.

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the warm 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 during the winter.