The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality issue within your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to correct the problem.

What Creates Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the humid warm air throughout your home mixing with the cold surface of your windows. It’s especially commonplace over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to know 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 within a window is produced from the warm damp air in your home collecting along the glass.
  • The moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Numerous things generate humidity inside a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem

Though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be a sign your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

Not to worry, because there are several options for extracting moisture from the air throughout 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 comes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture in your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would pick a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will begin running automatically when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Bend.

Alternative Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air moving within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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