How to Stop House Windows From Sweating

If you have a problem with the windows in your house sweating, you may think that there is a problem with the windows. In actuality, there is nothing wrong with your windows as they are not causing the problem. Sweating is caused when warm, moist air hit a cool, smooth surface. This is also known as condensation. It is the same process that causes the outside of your glass of ice tea to become moist.
You may want to invest in a hygrometer, which will tell you the humidity level inside your home. Indoor humidity levels should be between 30 to 50 percent (lower when the temperature outside is colder). When humidity exceeds these levels, you will start to see condensation or sweating on your windows. The tips below include short and long term solutions that can help you lower the humidity levels in your home and prevent sweating from occurring on your windows.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Short Term Solutions

1. Cover windows with plastic or interior storm windows. This will provide a layer between the moist warm air and the cold surface.

2. Open the windows and doors. High humidity is often caused by a lack of ventilation or poor air circulation. Opening a window or door will change this.

3. Turn down the heat. Keeping your home cooler will reduce the temperature difference between the air and the glass. Try to keep the temperature between 66 to 68 degrees.

4. Minimize your cooking times and turn on a fan when cooking.

5. Turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom when showering and take shorter showers with cooler water.

6. Check that your clothes dryer is properly vented to the outside and not the attic. Try to make the vent ducts as short as possible and seal them with duct tape or caulk to ensure that the moisture leaves the house.

7. Turn a fan onto the window to evaporate the liquid and put it back into the air. Of course, this will only work as long as the fan is turned on.

Long Term Solutions

8. Invest in storm windows of double paned windows. If you discover condensation despite storm windows, then you need to caulk or weatherstrip around the two windows.

9. Install exhaust fans in your bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room. If possible, install a timer that will keep the fan running for 15 to 20 minutes after you shower to remove any excess moisture.

10. Make sure the area around your windows is sealed. Use caulk or weather stripping to close any gaps.

11. Invest in a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are great additions to bathrooms and basements where humidity levels are highest.

12. Reduce the number of plants and aquariums in your home--both add water to the air. If possible, water your plants less often.

Resources

• Humidity and the Indoor Environment
• University of Minnesota: Problems with condensation on windows? Watch humidity levels
• How to Prevent Window Fogging and Condensation
• Danny Lipford: Cure Sweating Windows