The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in as you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unappealing, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality issue in your home. Fortunately, there’s multiple things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Causes Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the humid warm air in your home mixing with the colder surface of your windows. It’s especially common around the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to know the difference 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 on the inside of a window is caused from the warm humid air throughout your home collecting on 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 needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity inside your home. Many things cause humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem

Although you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it can be a sign your home has high humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be condensing 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 Decrease Humidity in Your Home

Not to worry, because there are various options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier active in 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 going and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture into 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 a single room. However, those units require emptying water trays and most often service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

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

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots such as the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air moving inside the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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