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

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality deficit throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Produces Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the damp warm air inside your home reaching the cold surface of your windows. It’s especially common around the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to know the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture inside a window is caused from the warm moist air inside your home collecting against the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, in which case the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Numerous things generate humidity inside a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Sweating Windows Could Mean an Issue

Although you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be a sign your home has higher humidity. If this is the case, water might also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for removing moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier active in your home – whether it be a small 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 high, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, these units require emptying out water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will begin running immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Dundas and Northfield.

Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.