The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality deficit within your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can try to address the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the moist warm air inside your home hitting the cold surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent over the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s necessary to understand 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 produced from the warm damp air throughout your home condensing against the glass.
  • The moisture you find between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and by then the window should 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. Many things generate humidity in a home, such as showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue

Though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it can be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Inside Your Home

Thankfully there are several options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier extracts excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Other Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

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

By decreasing humidity inside your home and moving air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.