The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in while you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality deficit within your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can do to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the damp warm air in your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to recognize the difference 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 on the inside of a window is produced from the warm humid air in your home collecting against the glass.
  • Any moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Different things generate humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

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

How to Reduce Humidity Inside Your Home

The good news is there are several options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier active in your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level the same like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will begin running instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

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

By decreasing humidity across your home and moving air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.